Demetrice Loran Jenkins

In Loving Memory of

Demetrice Loran Richey Jenkins

February 14, 1962 – July 4, 2026

With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life and legacy of Demetrice Loran Richey Jenkins,

affectionately known as “Dede.” Born on February 14, 1962, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Dede

peacefully entered into eternal rest on July 4, 2026, in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by the

love of family.

Dede was born to Irene Elizabeth Richey Harris Richardson and Arthur Hawkins. During her

childhood, she was raised by Freddie Lee Harris Sr., whom she lovingly called Dad. She was

later blessed to have Andrew Richardson, Jr. become an important father figure in her life.

Education was important to Dede, and she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business. She

devoted 43 years of distinguished service to the Federal Government, retiring as a

respected Human Resources leader with the Social Security Administration in Dallas, Texas.

She was admired for her professionalism, wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment

to helping others.

Above all, Dede loved the Lord. Her faith guided the way she lived, and she faithfully served

in the churches she attended throughout the years. Whether welcoming others with

hospitality, lending a helping hand, or quietly meeting someone's need, serving people was

simply part of who she was.

To know Dede was to know joy. It didn't take much to make her laugh, but children always

brought out the biggest smiles and laughter. She loved shopping, discovering a great

restaurant, enjoying spa days and fresh manicures, attending church, spending quality time

with family and friends, and every now and then, enjoying a trip to the casino. She

embraced life with warmth, generosity, and a heart that genuinely cared for others.

Dede was married to William Thomas Jenkins for nearly four decades. She was the proud

and devoted mother of William Thomas Jenkins II, whom she loved with all her heart and

who remained one of her greatest blessings.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Irene Elizabeth Richey Harris

Richardson; her bonus father, Andrew Richardson, Jr.; her brother, Freddie Lee Harris Jr.;

and her sister, Rakaia Hawkins.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her father, Arthur Hawkins; Freddie Lee Harris

Sr.; her husband, William Thomas Jenkins; her beloved son, William Thomas Jenkins II; her

siblings Andrea Hawkins, Annette (Delvin) Griffith, Dorian (Abelardo) Martinez, Patreena

Harris, Iris Hawkins, Tawan Williamson, and Kecia Williamson; along with a host of nieces,

nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, former colleagues, and

everyone whose life was touched by her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love.

Dede's legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the countless lives she touched.

She led with compassion, loved without hesitation, laughed often, served faithfully, and

reminded everyone around her that kindness is one of life's greatest gifts. Whether you

knew her as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, colleague, or friend, you knew you were

loved.

She wasn't just a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, colleague, or friend... she was our

Dede. And what a blessing it was to have loved and been loved by her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Matthew 25:23