Deidra Yolanda Young

                                                                                The Life and Legacy of Deidra Yolanda Young

Deidra Yolanda Young, a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, entered eternal rest on May 21, 2025. She was born on October 1, 1967, to the union of Alfred and Rose Young. 

From an early age, Deidra accepted Christ under the leadership of Rev. David L. Miles at Starlight Baptist Church in Lake Charles, LA, where her spiritual journey began. A devoted and faithful member throughout her life who loved the Lord, Deidra continued her service under the leadership of Rev. Julian Kent Woods. Throughout her membership Deidra previously served in several ministries within the church, including her role as a Vacation Bible School teacher, a devoted member and class secretary of Sunday School Class #1, and co-general Sunday School secretary. Her joyful spirit found expression in music as a member of both the youth and senior choirs.  Also, she was the first president of the Young Matrons Auxiliary. 

Deidra received her education through the Calcasieu Parish School System. She attended Mill Street Elementary, Reynaud Junior High, and W.O. Boston High School. After the merger, she graduated in 1985 from Lake Charles-Boston High School, where she proudly served as head majorette of the Marching Cougar Band from her sophomore year until graduation. Her school pride endured beyond her years in the classroom.  Deidra remained an active and dedicated board member of the LCB Class of 1985 Alumni Association. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from McNeese State University, where she became a proud and active member of the McNeese Black Alumni Chapter, serving in the role of Sergeant-at-Arms. 

Deidra was also a proud member of the National Association of University Women (NAUW), where she continued to uplift and empower her community through advocacy and sisterhood.  She served as the chapter’s Sergeant at Arms. 

On June 12, 2016, she was initiated into the Zeta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She served faithfully as Sergeant-at-Arms for three terms, was an ever-present and enthusiastic participant at chapter events, and served on numerous committees. In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded the Zeta Psi Omega Pythina Brown Member of the Year Award in 2025. 
Deidra’s commitment to education and service extended into her professional life. Over the years, she worked at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital and the Calcasieu Parish School System. At the time of her passing, she was a devoted employee of Southwest Charter Academy, where she was deeply loved by her colleagues and students alike. She often spoke of how much she loved her Southwest family—especially “her kids”—who brought her so much joy and purpose every day. 

Deidra will be remembered not only for her accomplishments and affiliations but for the heart and spirit behind all that she did.  To know Deidra was to know authenticity. She was bold, honest, and unafraid to “keep it real.” Yet her truth was always wrapped in love. She had a deep and abiding way of encouraging others. Whether she was offering a word of encouragement, standing up for someone in need, or sharing a laugh that lifted the room, Deidra had a way of making people feel seen, supported, and loved. She was protective, nurturing, and filled with the kind of light that could not be dimmed.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Rev. Alfred and Prince Ola Young; her maternal grandparents, Clarence Woods and Ethel White Woods; her uncle, Gerard Woods; and her aunts, Pauline Spikes, Claudine Fradieu, Esther R. Brown, and Alberta Montgomery.

She leaves to cherish her life and legacy her loving parents, Alfred and Rose Young; her devoted brother, Deitrick Shawn Young; her aunts, Burnie (Felton) Broussard and Cheryl A. Woods; her uncle, Joseph Young; great aunts, Yvonne W. Thomas, Levonia W. Thomas, and Doris M. White; her godmother, Wanda Broussard; her godparents, A.B. and Donna Franklin; and a host of beloved cousins, relatives, godchildren, and friends—all of whom were touched by her grace, strength, and unwavering love.

Though her presence will be missed beyond measure, the legacy of her faith, compassion, leadership, and love will continue to live on in each life she touched.

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