Deadra Lawson-Malloy Memorial Fund
Donation protected
Deadra Malloy
How I Lived
Deadra Lawson-Malloy was born to Jean Milligan Gadson and John Lawson on March 27, 1962. Throughout her life and while overcoming many hurdles, Deadra Malloy maintained an unwavering spirit committed to educating and empowering those who sought deliverance from hurts, habits, and hang-ups. She traveled to South Carolina from New York and North Carolina respectively, where she devoted her energy and growing expertise in the areas of low-income housing programs and alcohol and substance abuse treatment. During 2006, she served at the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council as Community Liaison and HIV (+) Peer Health Advocate for PROJECT F.A.I.T.H. (Fostering AIDS Initiatives That Heal) until the programs end. The program remains the state’s first and only legislatively funded faith-based HIV prevention program. During her tenure in Project FAITH she is credited for her leadership in starting the Celebrate Recovery addiction programs at Trinity Baptist Church, located in Columbia, South Carolina.
While at the Council she consistently stood ready, willing, and able to address community, legislative, and congressional leaders about the negative impact of HIV stigma and the need to increase state investment in HIV prevention, intervention, medical care, and medicine access programs. She spear-headed the creation of P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Voices, the state’s first HIV advocacy network for women living with HIV. She worked in unison with HIV advocate, Denise Herbin to create the Women’s Empowerment Academy (WEA) which is a driving force in building HIV positive women’s leadership and advocacy skills. Deadra was a bright and analytical leader who maintained a thirst for knowledge. She served as a consultant and advocate for the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families (Washington, DC), the SC HIV Planning Council, SC HIV Task Force, and Duke University Southeastern HIV/AIDS Strategies Initiative, to name a few. She served as Policy and Convention Chair for the South Carolina Chapter of Narcotics Anonymous. At the time of her passing her passion for knowledge thrived as she pursued a Master’s Degree from Walden University. Her skills as a motivational speaker made Deadra not only “a step-above the rest”, but a catalyst for change in the lives of those infected and affected by HIV hroughout the state and nation.
Deadra Lawson-Malloy was the loving wife of Cleveland Malloy and mother of 4 children, Charmaine, Reginald, Sara and Jean-Elizabeth. She was inspired by and deeply loved 8 grandchildren, Kiani, Kai, Ja’Din, Jaylen, Janae, Janelle, Andre, and Nora. May her memory resurrect in each individual- a renewed sense of purpose and vision to save the next generation.
How I Lived
Deadra Lawson-Malloy was born to Jean Milligan Gadson and John Lawson on March 27, 1962. Throughout her life and while overcoming many hurdles, Deadra Malloy maintained an unwavering spirit committed to educating and empowering those who sought deliverance from hurts, habits, and hang-ups. She traveled to South Carolina from New York and North Carolina respectively, where she devoted her energy and growing expertise in the areas of low-income housing programs and alcohol and substance abuse treatment. During 2006, she served at the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council as Community Liaison and HIV (+) Peer Health Advocate for PROJECT F.A.I.T.H. (Fostering AIDS Initiatives That Heal) until the programs end. The program remains the state’s first and only legislatively funded faith-based HIV prevention program. During her tenure in Project FAITH she is credited for her leadership in starting the Celebrate Recovery addiction programs at Trinity Baptist Church, located in Columbia, South Carolina.
While at the Council she consistently stood ready, willing, and able to address community, legislative, and congressional leaders about the negative impact of HIV stigma and the need to increase state investment in HIV prevention, intervention, medical care, and medicine access programs. She spear-headed the creation of P.O.S.I.T.I.V.E. Voices, the state’s first HIV advocacy network for women living with HIV. She worked in unison with HIV advocate, Denise Herbin to create the Women’s Empowerment Academy (WEA) which is a driving force in building HIV positive women’s leadership and advocacy skills. Deadra was a bright and analytical leader who maintained a thirst for knowledge. She served as a consultant and advocate for the AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth, and Families (Washington, DC), the SC HIV Planning Council, SC HIV Task Force, and Duke University Southeastern HIV/AIDS Strategies Initiative, to name a few. She served as Policy and Convention Chair for the South Carolina Chapter of Narcotics Anonymous. At the time of her passing her passion for knowledge thrived as she pursued a Master’s Degree from Walden University. Her skills as a motivational speaker made Deadra not only “a step-above the rest”, but a catalyst for change in the lives of those infected and affected by HIV hroughout the state and nation.
Deadra Lawson-Malloy was the loving wife of Cleveland Malloy and mother of 4 children, Charmaine, Reginald, Sara and Jean-Elizabeth. She was inspired by and deeply loved 8 grandchildren, Kiani, Kai, Ja’Din, Jaylen, Janae, Janelle, Andre, and Nora. May her memory resurrect in each individual- a renewed sense of purpose and vision to save the next generation.
Organizer
Charmaine Owens
Organizer
Rochester, NY
