Deadra R. Spivey Swilley "Dee Dee"

1963 - 2025

Lamentations 3:23-23 It is of the Lords Mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. 

Deadra Renette Spivey was born on November 1, 1963, to Evelyn Spivey and the late Harold E. Spivey at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, located in the Bronx, New York. Deadra affectionately known as “Dee Dee”, defied the odds, being born with a hip dislocation in which she had to endure a brace for several months.  

Rising above her expectations, Deadra grew to become one of the finest female athletes in her community, the Edenwald Houses of the Bronx. She graced the court with such dominance, competitiveness and consistency. Her outstanding courage and heart earned her many accolades from her male peers. Deadra was always ready to play when called. Deadra was educated in the N.Y.C. Public School System from 1968-1981. She attended Harry S. Truman High School where she joined the Girls Varsity Basketball team. Her many skills and dedication led to many school championships and trophies. Upon graduating from high school, she attended Bronx Community College. There, she acquired a love for law enforcement. She loved the sound of sirens. This fascination inspired her to pursue further. Deadra relocated to Virginia in 1984, where she decided to follow her dreams of becoming a police officer. She proudly served with the Richmond Police Department for 25 years. 

One of the highlights of her career was her time assigned to the 1st Precinct Downtown Walking Unit. During that time, she earned numerous accolades from citizens and fellow officers alike for her dedication, professionalism and love for her community. Deadra did what came most naturally to her…she made people laugh. Even while wearing the badge, and standing in a position of authority, she never looked down on others. She treated everyone with dignity, compassion and respect, always aiming to help and meet people where they were.  Whether they were seeking directions or sitting in handcuffs. Her presence brought humility, warmth and light to the role she embraced and served so faithfully.

In 1993, Deadra gave birth to a beautiful bouncing girl, Deja Rene, who inspired her life immensely. In 2003, she met and married Stefford Swilley, to that union Isaiah was born. Deadra loved and cherished her children tremendously. There wasn’t anything that she would not do for them. Unconditional love, God’s love, even taking care of her beloved mother whom she adored very much.

Deadra had a knack for having fun, looking good and always making sure her hair was tight. She enjoyed good times with friends and family, joking, beach life, Karaoke, dining and eating her oysters. Her jokes led to many pranks that floored many of us. She proudly passed the baton to her son Isaiah. 

She loved her favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys. Her favorite chant, "LET’S GO COWBOYS" and she was a diehard fan. Deadra also adored her car, clothing (Cowboy paraphernalia), parties etc. She was the life at every event.  She loved the Lord and led her life to protect and serve everyone as an officer. In her passing she gave three people life as an organ donor.

Deadra leaves to cherish her memory: two children, Deja and Isaiah; grandson, Amari; mother, Evelyn McNair; one brother, Robert; three sisters, Michell, Stephanie and Aisha; one son-in-law, Terrence; two brothers-in-law, Daniel and Danny; seven nieces, Kadarra, Kianna, Chinell, Sade, Cierra, Jada and Asia; three great nieces, Chloe, Nyla and Maci; two nephews, Robert Jr. and Noah; three great nephews, Jayden, A.J. and Jari; cousins, Wanda, Randy, Tameaka, Jordan, and Keith; special friends, Tanya and Shanique; a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 29, 2025, at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 800 Augusta Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Wesley K. McLaughlin, Pastor and Rev. Herbert Holly II, Co-Pastor, eulogist. 

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5617043?fl=so&fe=fs.