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Deandra DeGraphenreed was the born on September 23, 1926, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the third of six children born to Fort DeGraphenreed and Willie Armenta Hollins DeGraphenreed.
Deandra accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and became a longstanding life member of the Church of God for many, many years. She became a member of the Great Commission Church of God in the late 90's. She reminded us that people are the Church, not the building.
Deandra attended the Indianapolis Public School Systems and Crispus Attucks High School. There she learned her trade as a seamstress. She used her trade at DeGraff Cleaners owned by her brother in the late fifties. In her early years she also worked for Methodist Hospital, RCA, Western Electric, 40 Minute Cleaners, and Sparkle Cleaners from which she then retired and enjoyed sewing and doing alterations for others.
Deandra was an adventurer in her day. She used to love to ride motorcycles. She was a competitive bowler and won many tournaments and trophies. She also was a member of the bowling team at the Edna Martin Christian Center. I can see her sashaying after rolling them strikes. Couldn't tell her nothing (smiling), and she also loved to go to the Casinos. She also loved to travel and had lived in several different places: Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Arizona and a brief stay in California and Las Vegas then finally returning home in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1995.
Deandra, affectionately known as “Aunt Dee, Aunt DeeDee, Momma Dee, Mother Dee, & Miss Dee” was a happy, joyful soul. Always offering encouraging and uplifting words. She loved to share life with others and one of her favorite sayings was “Enjoy life while you can.” She loved, loved, loved, young people and always took time to ask about their lives and passing those dollars to them. She enjoyed meeting your partners, spouses, and friends and asked relentlessly if this was your “Sweet Patootie.” An amazing lady and bright star, Deandra loved spending time with family, especially in her older years and cherished companionship and laughter above all. She was also an avid lover of dogs, ‘Sam, Mr. Brown and Chloe”, all dogs!
Deandra DeGraphenreed was called home to Glory on September 17, 2022, at the age of ninety-five years, 11 months, and 17 days. Both her parents; her son, Hayes Wendall "Skipper" Bransford Jr. and daughter, Lois "Little Sis" Bransford; 2 brothers, James "JB", Fort Jr.; 2 sisters, Dorothy DeGraphenreed Jones and Corrine DeGraphenreed Davis, all preceded her in death.
She leaves to cherish her memory one brother, William DeGraphenreed of New York, New York; her caregiver, constant companion and devoted niece, Karen Davis Cowherd (William); nieces, Valerie Davis Pryor (James), Belinda Denise Cooke (Ralph), and Donna DeGraphenreed Carter; special nephews, Ralph Cooke and William Cowherd and two very special friends that she called her daughters, Carlene Heeter & Carmen Dodson and host of many, many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
“Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.” We love you very much and will miss you dearly Aunt Dee.
Humbly Submitted Your Devoted Family
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