LaDetra "Dede" Kay Powell
19 June 1980- 19 June 2020
Born Winfield, Kansas
Preceded in death by sister LaTisha Suzanne Powell and brother William Jason Powell
Survived by Husband Pavan Reddy Pandiri
Son Gideon Wayne Powell Frankenstein
Daughter Isabella Suzanne Powell Pandiri
Son Aaryan William Powell Pandiri
Father William Keith Powell
Mother Sheila Kay Pfannenstiel Houston, Step-father Wayne Houston
Mother Cheryl Lynn Powell
Brother Michael Powell (Corie), Sister Cynthia Lopez (Hector), Sister Marsha Ittner (Doug), Brother Michael Hicks (Olivia), Brother Marcus Hicks (Jasmine), several nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, & not to be forgotten, a small circle of friends (the best kind) that are often the glue that keeps us from falling apart by loving us until we can love ourselves again. This was so true for Dede's friends.
Like many of us do from time to time, Dede struggled. She struggled to belong, she struggled to fit in, she struggled to feel wanted, to have purpose, she struggled to know who she was. There was one thing she did not struggle with. One thing she was solid... And convicted in... Loving her children. Her kids. She. Loved. Her. Kids. She wanted for them everything that they could achieve and everything they could dream of achieving. She LIVED THROUGH them. She encouraged them, pushed them, she was INVOLVED with them. She was their cheerleader. She loved them.
Her sister recalled when Dede was a young single mother living with Gideon she would insist that he walk a little faster in front of her, so as to open the door for her every time. Seeming to others to be too strict in this, Dede knew at the time she was mother and father. She was teaching him to be a gentleman. Teaching chivalry. A lost art. She taught. He learned. Years later, Aaryan is seen on a field trip holding an umbrella for two of his female classmates. Well done, Dede! Well done, you!
Dede celebrated everything related to her kids. Every milestone, every haircut, every school promotion, student of the month, musicals, recitals, academic achievements of every kind. She glowed with ample motherly pride!
Dede made sure no matter what she was going thru inside she conveyed to her kids that they mattered, that they have worth, that they have value, that they are loved, and they have ability, intelligence, and opportunities. If they apply themselves and find something they love to do they can succeed. She played an active role in helping them mold their own future, pave their own road... Something they would excel at BECAUSE they loved it.
Gideon just graduated. Dede's pride was over flowing. So excited to help him get started at trade school, to ensure stability and independence for him, as well as a sense of self worth and appreciation for being paid for doing work, a feeling like no other. A feeling too many young people are denied by parents wanting to "give" them what they never had.
Bella is in jazz band, plays trumpet and has a 4.0 GPA. She can be anything she wants to be, and has been seen checking out society of women engineer booths. She has a smile that would melt the polar ice caps.
Aaryan has a heart of gold and connects with old souls. He says he wants to be a gamer. He could design the next digital app that saves us all from ourselves!
Dede loved her kids and they loved her. Thank the stars, for all our faults our children still love us. Somehow they know, with their pure innocent hearts, that we're all struggling. Doing the best we can. But we love. So much love impregnated in our DNA. Overflowing, overshadowing, all our flaws, they love us.
Bella left Dede evidence that Dede shared with the world May 10, 2014 a book she wrote entitled
"I Love You Mom"
"I love you because you are the most beautiful thing in the whole world. My favorite thing about you, is you. Thank you for always taking care of me"
We would like to start a fund for the kids, for education expenses. Trade school, books, fees, really any expenses school/ education related. In Dede's memory, to be her cheerleader proxies.