It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone; a part of us went with you the day God called you home.

Diedra Adare White , 60, of Montclair, VA, transitioned from her earthly body to her eternal rest on July 20, 2025. Diedra was affectionately known as "DeeDee" or "Gizzard" to those who knew and loved her. She was compassionate, loving, free-spirited, and resilient. As a devoted mother and grandmother, a dedicated daughter, and a dependable sister, her life was far too short, but we will hold her cherished memories close to our hearts now and forever.

Diedra was born in Washington, DC, on June 8, 1965, to Broadus and Christine White, the fourth of five children born to this union. From an incredibly early age, Diedra displayed an independent, adventurous spirit and a can-do attitude. She lived her life on her own terms, making her own rules—a quality that was essential to her being. Her passion for learning and ability to figure things out positively influenced her professional career.

Diedra was a lifelong learner, graduating from Crossland Sr. High School in Temple Hills, MD. As a single mom, while maintaining full-time employment, she attended the University of Phoenix, earning a Bachelor's degree and continuing to earn her Master's degree. She was employed with the U.S. Government for a brief period and also worked for a private law firm before accepting a position at Pelavin Associates (formerly AIR) in 1989. Over nearly thirty years, she progressed from a word processor to Manager of the Facilities Department. In 2020, she began working as a Facilities Director for Cambium Learning and remained there until her untimely passing. Diedra received numerous accolades throughout her career and served as a positive example of what hard work and education can achieve. She took pride in her accomplishments, and we were equally proud of her.

Diedra was the nucleus of her family, often sacrificing her comforts for those she loved most. She was part of the multigenerational care population, lovingly caring for her mother, Christine White, all while nurturing her daughter, grandchildren, and siblings. Diedra's financial, emotional, and physical support for her loved ones never wavered, and she balanced these demands with grace and pride. She made significant sacrifices that profoundly affected her career, personal life, family, and friendships, even opting to move into a fifty-five-and-over community to ensure her mother was not alone in her golden years. Diedra sacrificed her love for travel to accommodate the greater love she had for her family. This was who she was—a selfless, devoted woman.

Diedra was a devoted single mother to Brittanie Leona Johnson and a loving grandmother to Isaiah (17), Erin (10), and Phoenix (6). Through her unwavering love, she instilled confidence and resilience in each of them, exemplifying guidance, unbreakable spirit, and immense pride.

Diedra was predeceased by her father, Broadus White. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Brittanie Leona Johnson, and son-in-law, Jamal Johnson; her mother, Christine White; and her siblings, Darnell White, Christine Armstead (Vernon), Tonja Outlaw (Dwain), and Darrin White.

She also leaves to mourn her passing her beloved nieces and nephews: Vernessa Zoema, Christina Armstead, JaNaee' Dunn (Tony), Cameron Outlaw, Vernon Armstead Jr., Vernae' Armstead, and Cordaro Outlaw. Additionally, she is survived by her aunts and uncles: Geraldine Richardson, Virginia Johnson (Puddin), Hugh Williams, George Carter, Saundra Fitzgerald (Alfonzo), and John Lee Carter, along with numerous special cousins and countless lifelong friends.

Diedra's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A viewing will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 18410 Chapel Street, Triangle, VA, 22172, on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. The interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22408.