Obituaries

Dietra A. “DeeDee” Thomas, 58

May 19, 2020

Dietra A. Thomas, also known as DeeDee, 58 of Lancaster, Pa entered into rest May 19,2020 at Lancaster General Hospital after a sudden illness. DeeDee was born on October 20, 1961 in Lancaster, Pa. She is a daughter of the Rev. James W. and the late Carolyn L. Thomas (2015), Lancaster.

DeeDee was raised in Lancaster City and attended the Lancaster public schools system graduating from J.P. McCaskey High School , class of 1979. Community activities, memberships and affiliations included: Judge of Elections (7th ward) The Keystone Club and The Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster; The award winning Junior Drum & Bugle Corp ( Conestoga Lodge #140). Lancaster.

DeeDee was employed by RR Donnelley Printing as an Administrative Data Entry Clerk for over 37 years. She was formerly a local bartender at Banzhof’s (Capp’s) also affectionately known as “the bottom” for many years, and gathered there with friends on many occasions.

DeeDee was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was baptized at an early age under the leadership of Rev. Robert E. McMorris. As a youth she attended Sunday school regularly and served as an usher and choir member.

DeeDee had a big smile, an infectious laugh, and a kind heart.

DeeDee leaves to cherish her memory, a loving father, one brother: Jeffrey Hammond (Laureen) of Fort Washington, MD; Two sisters: Rev.Vanessa Preston (Dean) of Lancaster, and Karen Thomas (Frank) of Philadelphia ; Nine nieces and nephews : Quincy and Sheneil Hammond; Corey and Jonathan Robinson; Tiffiny Gilmore (Ryan); Brandie Preston; Octavia Hayden(Jorge); Danesha Butler, and Donte Walker; Four great nephews: Zion Preston; DeShaun, Devin, and Daivon Perez and one great niece: Destyni Perez.

DeeDee will be deeply missed by her two godsons: Arris Simms-Taltoan and Devon Wright as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, and coworkers. A brother James Terry, preceded her in death. DeeDee’s last joyous moments came from spending time with her nephews and her very best friend for life Sharon Simms.

Services will be LiveStreamed on Friday May 29, 2020 at 12:00pm. Interment will follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery.

LiveStream will appear on this page shortly before the start of the service.

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Condolences to the Family

June 10, 2020

As I reflect in this day i see that a member of the Junior Drum & Bugle Corp as gone home to be with the Lord. I was a member of the Corp in the 70’s.
My deepest condolences to the Family of our beloved DeeDee. My you R.I.P.
Angel Vega

May 29, 2020

I watched the services via streamline.
Yes that was my deedee from my young childhood. Now i am truly heartbroken.
It was more than just a childhood crush.
I never got a chance to truly apologize to her.
Deedee you will be missed.
Love ya always babygirl.
Timothy pond

May 29, 2020

To The Thomas Family and all who mourn the loss of our Loving Dee Dee, I Pray for Peace and Comfort in this very sad time.  Dee Dee is like a Sister to me and I will truly miss her gentle, caring smile as well as her sincere heart.  I know that God is in control and he will take care of the pain and hurt that I am feeling at this time, so I trust him…..Dee Dee will be missed by so many who Love her!  To You My Precious Dee Dee, My Tears will always fall ever so gently down my face when I think about not being able to talk to you, see you or hear your voice.  But I know that GOD has you now…..Sleep Peacefully My Love. 
I Love You, Now, Today, Forever and Always
Sheila Johnson-LaRue Represnting Martha Johnson and the Entire Johnson Family!!❤❤❤🙏🙏
 

May 29, 2020

Fly High Buttefly, you will always be in my heart and I will cherish the memories.  We loved you, but God love you more.  RIP DeeDee (Godmom).  You will be greatly missed. – Carmen & Devon

May 29, 2020

Sending our condolences, prayers, and love to the family. We will whole heartedly miss her. 
Anessa Johnson

May 29, 2020

Dear Family,
Words can never keep you all from grieving a lady like Dee Dee. She was one of a kind and her mold has been forever broken. Man, God made no one like sweet Dee Dee. She and I worked together for the past 14 years. We argued all the time but it was all in fun. She either told me that she loved me or I’d say that to her before we got off the phone. I miss her terribly and I’m just a friend, coworker. I can’t imagine what y’all are going through right now. Plesae know that you all will be in my prayers asking God to comfort you in His loving arms. God love you all.
Sincerely,
Chuck Hager

May 29, 2020

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤❤❤❤❤sorry for your loss much love from my family to your 
Rochell La Rue Walker

May 29, 2020

Sending my deapest condolences to Mr. Thomas, vanessa ,karen and the rest of the family sweet Dee dee will truly be missed. SIH sweet lady🙌🏾🤗😘
Jacqueline Owen’s hunter

May 29, 2020

Hello Family
We all love and will miss Dee Dee. I can hear her infectious laugh amplified in heaven.
Eventhough this current situation made it impossible for us to come and be with you during this time, our
hearts are with you and we will continue to pray for the comfort and peace that only God can bring.
We love you
Clifford Thomas and Margaret Thomas

May 29, 2020

My condolences Mr Thomas and family. No words can explain how much DeeDee meant/means to me. She will forever be my big sister who taught me so much as a young girl. I love you DeeDee.
Gina Stewart

May 29, 2020

Hello Family
We all love and will miss Dee Dee. I can hear her infectious laugh amplified in heaven.
Eventhough this current situation made it impossible for us to come and be with you during this time, our
hearts are with you and we will continue to pray for the comfort and peace that only God can bring.
We love you
Clifford Thomas and Margaret Thomas

May 29, 2020

Dearest Pastor Vanessa Preston and Rev Thomas sending our Condolences and Love. May our Lord and Savior comfort you. God Bless 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Rev Sherry Slupton 

May 29, 2020

Karen, you have been apart of our family for 20 years now and when one is hurting we all are hurting. I/we send our deepest sympathies & condolences to you, your father and the entire Thomas family. You all are in our thoughts & prayers. 🙏🏽🕊
 
Love,
Tysha Miller

May 29, 2020

Karen, you have been apart of our family for 20 years bow and when one is hurting we all are hurting. I/we send our deepest sympathies & condolences to you and the entire Thomas family. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.
Tysha Miller

May 29, 2020

R.I.P my Dear big sister you will always and forever be in my heart ♥️
Love your lil sis Tina Johnson-Dunsen 
 

May 29, 2020

Mr. Thomas, Vanessa and the family.. We send our deepest condolences to you all at this very difficult time.. Dee dee will be dearly missed..
Stan & Marcella Howell

May 29, 2020

There is not enough words or time to describe you but know this you will be missed and loved forever here until again rest!
Sherry McFadden- Chambers

May 29, 2020

Absolutely Beautiful tribute to Dee Dee! Rest in Peace to a Beautiful Soul! I am reminded as I watched this tribute that Dee Dee and Vanessa were 2 of the first friends that my sister Dorothea and I had as small children. I’m thankful for those times! Thank you God for caring for her in your kingdom. #LLDD
Lori L Roberts

May 29, 2020

To the family, my deepest sympathy..I knew dee-dee for along time and she always treated me the same she never changed. She was a beautiful person inside and out, her smile will light up the room, her laugh contagious..She will be missed..R.I.P. Dee-Dee💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏
Betty Turner

May 29, 2020

Rest In Paradise…My Friend…My Sister!!! I Will Forever Love & Miss You!!!
Phaedra Boots

May 29, 2020

My deepest condolence to the Thomas family, 
Denise

May 29, 2020

To my cousin Dee Dee I will always remember the good times we had together and will never forget you even though we didn’t see each other often, but when we did I really enjoy your company I’m still finding it hard to believe that you have passed on I love you cousin R.I.P  .
William B.Hinton

May 29, 2020

Cuzzo DeeDee,
hard to believe you are gone from this side! I was reminded of your “signature glaze over your glasses” and I smiled! I was remembering you teasing me about eating tofu, I remember you bring ” your boys” and a treat to the cookouts, I remember your simple and kind ways. I love you! Uncle James, Vanessa and Karen, somehow some way trusting God to carry you through this very difficult season! I love you family ❤️💕
Karen Hinton- Polite

May 29, 2020

The reality has hit me, I won’t see you when I come home. No more loving hugs, never will I hear your laugh, nor interact with your kind gentle spirit. God loved you more and you will be missed by many. Rest easy my sister.
Armenta Washington

May 29, 2020

oh my Dee Dee you had a ❤ of gold you gonna be missed I love you…my heart is really sad…I’ll be waiting on the day when I see you again…
Angela Scott

May 28, 2020

May God bless y’all Dee Dee was beautiful  and loving person she will be missed love y’all 
Cassandra Owens

May 28, 2020

Fly High Butterfly, you will always be in my heart.  I will always cherish the memories. We loved you but God loved you more.  RIP DeeDee.  You will be greatly missed. (Godmom).

May 27, 2020

To my friend Dee Dee, really gonna miss you. RIHP, you earn your wings. We always had a lot of fun working at Capp’s on the weekend. You always had a smile and your little laugh and a hug. You was a very good friend. Tell Sam I said hi……..❤️❤️ Love ya…
Eli S Williams

May 27, 2020

So sorry for the loss of your sister DeDe 
My prayers are with you all 
                                           Love Taliah💖

May 27, 2020

My condolences to her family and friends. I’ve know and worked with Dee Dee for 20 years and she always had a smile and kind word.
You will be missed immensely 
 
Jeff Bennett 

May 26, 2020

Our condolences for your loss. And our prayers for God’s promise for the Comforter to be with you in your time of grieving. Keep trusting in Him, and you will endure. Blessings to you all. 
   Peter & Liz Gillespie

May 26, 2020

So sorry for your loss! Prayers and condolences going out to the family.
Larry Jeremiah

May 26, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. Will pray for your family. 
Cheryl Wauhtel

May 26, 2020

So sorry to hear that you are gone God bless your family prayers and condolences
Jay

May 26, 2020

My condolence to the family Dee-Dee was a sweet kind person and a breath of fresh air to be around, I always enjoy being around her I will miss her smile and her laugh. Rest in peace my friend
Cheyanna Parker Lambert

May 25, 2020

Sorry for the lost of DEE DEE SHE WAS ALWAYS A CONCERNED PERSON IN HELPING OUT IN ANYWAY SHE COULD. LIKE WHEN MY SISTER WENT MISSING SHE GAVE SUGGESTIONS ON THINGS TO DO TO FIND HER AND WHEN SHE WOULD SEE ME SHE WOULD ALWAYS GIVE ME A BIG HUG AND ASK HOW I WAS HOLDING UP AND BEFORE WE DEPARTED SHE ALWAYS MAKE ME LAUGH AND I HAD TO LAUGH BECAUSE SHE HAD THE BRIGHTESS FULL OF LIFE LAUGH. SHE MAYBE GONE BUT STILL INMY THOUGHTS RIP MY FRIEND FOREVER  AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY
Georgia McKinney Lindsey

May 25, 2020

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL QUEENS IN THE COUNTY ALWAYS REMEMBER A SMILE ON YOUR FACE 
MONIQUE LINK

May 25, 2020

DeeDee, I am so sad right now. Who would have thought, man!  My condolences to your family.  God is able. We’ll meet again.
Your friend Shelia Smith 
Rest In Peace 

May 25, 2020

Dee Dee , will Always Miss you being around but God, had another plan ! RIH, Sweet Dee ! Will see you again one day ! 
Ann Taylor

May 25, 2020

To the Thomas Family,
We want to express our deepest condolences.  Dee-Dee, keep smiling…God knows best and you are now in His loving presence.  Rest in peace.  Until we meet again.
Love always,
James “Pooch” and Bonnie Morant 

May 25, 2020

My condolences to the entire Thomas Family.  I know your loss is great but I know that the Lord is great and he will see you through.  Dee Dee was a good friend growing up together at Ebenezer we had some great times.  RIP Dee Dee! Vanessa give her a kiss for me!  Glenn Roberson

May 25, 2020

I am deeply saddened by the loss of another family, but God knows best. Love you all
Kathy Charles

May 25, 2020

I didn’t really know DeeDee outside of work, but I always enjoyed working with her! She was always helpful and upbeat. She will be so missed in Donnelley. My condolences. 
Andrew DiCostanzo

May 24, 2020

Dee Dee you were always a sweet and kind person  iam sad that you are gone but i know your in Gods hands RIP my  Friend
 
Barbara kautz

May 24, 2020

My deepest condolences to the entire family,may God give you all comfort during this time,to be absent in the body is to bee present with the Lord.
Barbare A Smith

May 24, 2020

Sending my deepest condolence to the family I saw Deedee almost every day at the mini-mart up on King she’d be getting off of work and I’d be going we’d greet each then I’d say here we are donating again she’d say right that’s where I was on Tuesday when I heard that she had passed even the lady that works there said OMG! What happened to Dee-Dee. Even when I went there on Friday she shared with me how she thought about Deedee that night and said such a nice lady she was hope it gives you all comfort knowing that she was well-known and loved by many who are grieving her loss with you. Love you guys
-Pokie

May 24, 2020

Condolences and prayers to DeeDee’s family. Always, greeted with a beautiful smile.
Stella Selby Rhynes

May 24, 2020

RIP. Condolences to your family. Be at peace. McCaskey proud. 🖤❤🖤❤🌪
Sharon E Thomas

May 24, 2020

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to the Family. May God carry the Family at this time.She’s now resting peacefully behind those Golden Gates. Peace and Love
Bessie Hinton

May 24, 2020

Are Condolences and prayers to the family. 
Beaner Stewart

May 24, 2020

To my dear friend and family of Dee-Dee, truly God called her home in his own way, we give thanks for allowing her to be with us down through the years, my memories are never forgotten as she helped lift my spirits as I serve overseas in the military, faithful and diligent in writing me… To the family God loves you all and so do I, my thoughts and prayers are with you and asking God to bless you and keep you in our time of lost. Thank you for your friendship and allowing me and my family to be a part of yours, weeping endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning, may his love shine down upon the Thomas family and keep you safe and well and blessed. Truly 
Wendell

May 24, 2020

My condolences to the family and prayers from my family to yours , you were a great friend I wish I would’ve kept in touch with you , rest in peace my friend .
With a heart broken Millie

May 24, 2020

“Dee Dee” was always kind and respectful to me. She will truly be missed. Deepest condolences. Claudette Seals-Tarrant and Family ♥️🙏🏾

May 24, 2020

Larry and I are so sorry to hear of DeeDees passing. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. with sincere condolences and prayers 
Larry and Faye Helicher

May 24, 2020

My true condolences to the fam during this difficult time . DeeDee was always smiling and very nice lady . May God be everyone’s strength during this time and after. 
Tiny Stewart

May 24, 2020

Love you DeeDee. So hard to say goodbye to someone who I have known my entire life and who has always been so sweet and dear to me.  Sleep in peace my friend.
Katrina Crosby

May 24, 2020

My prayers go out to your family at this difficult time.  We will miss dee greatly and her laugh.  Larry and I considered you like family.  Again Vanessa. Karen and mr Thomas my condolences.
Mr and mrs larry wesley

May 24, 2020

Our sweet loving DeeDee, rest easy. Family I give you my condolences and prayers Dawn Carin Boots 

May 24, 2020

MY DEEPEST CONDOLOENCES TO THE FAMILY. DEE DEE WAS THE SWEETEST WOMAN YOU COULD EVER MEET. I WAS ALWAYS GREETED WITH WARM SMILES. SHE WILL BE SADLY  BUT LOVINGLY MISSED.
LaVina D Johnson

May 24, 2020

Sending my deepest condolences to the family RIH my friend you will be truly missed 🙏💜 
Tracy Boots

May 24, 2020

Dear family,my sincere condolences to you in this sad time.I will miss seeing her,and her smile.My deepest sympathy. Missy Raymond

May 24, 2020

DeeDee was a friend, for many years. Never a harsh word spoken about anyone, quite the opposite. DeeDee was always positive and her smile and laughter would light up a room. 
DeeDee you have gone on to light up heaven with your beautiful smile and red lipstick. 
I will always remember our tea parties and many times of fun and laughter.  Rest On In Eternity my beautiful friend. ❤️💋
Barbara Wilson

May 24, 2020

DeeDee!! So happy to have had the chance to spend quality time with you!! A beautiful, kind and generous soul! Was blessed with meeting you at the fabulous Banzhof’s Cafe!! Had the most amazing, crazy, fun times working with you there. Memories that will never be forgotten. The people, music, food and fun, so glad to have shared that with you! Happier still that we had a hug and some laughter a short while ago. You never know when that last time, will actually be that “last time”! Always quality time with DeeDee, a smile, and that laugh, I can hear it now!! LOL  To the family, my prayers and thoughts are with you. Like the song says, thank you for being a friend! Rest In Paradise. 
Charmaine Williams (offspring of “Pidge” :))

May 24, 2020

Rip DeeDee, I will miss that laugh of yours😢
LaDon Woodard

May 24, 2020

My Condolences  to the family of Rev. James Thomas,  my heart  goes out to your family! So shocked to  hear of this passing! GOD be with you all in this transition! Charlotte  Weeks and family!

May 24, 2020

Sleep in Peace DeeDee you were such a Beautiful Person  love you to the Moon and Back.  I was so glad that we got to spend that laughter together when we did so funny you would say Patty Hollywood Hunter i must stop typing  now these tears are flowing  love u
Pat hunter

May 24, 2020

To the Thomas Family,I know your heart is hurting of passing of your love one and so many other people who know her and love her also. but I’m praying that the lord give each and every one of you the strength and peace doing this difficult time. Love from the Morant family.

May 24, 2020

Bettyjo to my loving Dee Dee my heart is broken she was my mentor so she became my big sister at the girls club I will miss my sister. always luv you all my blessings to her family
Bettyjo kimble

May 23, 2020

My Condolences to the Thomas Family Dee Dee will be truly missed.
Billy Simms

May 23, 2020

Sending my deepest condolences to the family. Dee Dee was a loving person.  She always gave the best hugs. I was blessed to have met. 
Jami Ellis

May 23, 2020

My Heartfelt Condolences To The Thomas Family Words Can Not Express How My Family Also Feel Your Loss Of Dee Dee. EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CAN NOT HEAL REST IN PARADISE DEE DEE GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN 
SENDING LOVE FROM FLORIDA TIMA AND DIANE WEEKS AND THE ENTIRE WERKS FAMILY 
 

May 23, 2020

Sending my deepest condolences to the Thomas Family.
Priscilla Gardner Murphy Murphy

May 23, 2020

Rest in Peace and God Bless U Dee Dee in your journey home….Charlie Hargrove Sr 

May 23, 2020

My heartfelt condolences to the Thomas family. Her smile and laughter will always be remembered. 
Robin London-Cooper

May 23, 2020

to the vanessa karen and mr thomas i am so sorry for your loss from me and my family we send our deepest condolences to you we love you and will keep you in our prayers 
linda branche

May 23, 2020

Rip dee dee ny condolences to the family.
Tina

May 23, 2020

Oh dee dee my heart hurts so bad.we had some conversations when I would be down. And upset.and or conversations was always private.and you took them with you.and I will keep mine. You are I’m not going to say was cause you will always be in my heart dee dee and I love you so much.my condolences to you all
Valerie

May 23, 2020

I send my love and sincere condolences to the family and friends. I wish I could be with you all but know I’m present in love. Sincerely Melanie

May 23, 2020

I will miss her my Dee Dee girl that what I called her when we would greet each other with her Red lipstick Rest on my sister.
Marie McFadden

Services
Friday, May 29, 2020
12:00 PM
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