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Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford

120 West Main St.

Radford, Virginia

Dedra ALTIZER Obituary

With a grace unimaginable, and after a valiant fight, Dedra Lynn Smith Altizer has finally won her race against cancer. Following a 10 year marathon, filled with challenges of epic proportions, Dedra claimed her hard fought victory on February 26, 2013. A gifted artist, her endless talents included painting, drawing, sewing, quilting, cooking, candy making, cake decorating, embroidery, stained glass making, jewelry design and much more. Dedra enjoyed singing and often lifted her voice in praise of her Savior. Faithful friend to many, with a quick smile and wit to match, even when her health was greatly challenged, she never complained-causing doctors and care givers as well as friends and family to marvel at her indomitable spirit. Her amazing attitude carried her through the toughest challenges with humor, dignity and a quiet inner strength. In spite of her health status, she would leave her visitors with a memory that included hope and often a laugh. Dedra's interests were many and included attending church, singing, travel, spending time with her friends and her family and especially, to share time with her children. The lights of her life, Dedra gifted her children with her artistic and musical abilities, her wit and her bright smile-all reminders to us of her-as she continues to bless others through them.
During this last difficult year, as Dedra's challenges escalated, she endured much more than most do in a dozen lifetimes. Her family is grateful to the many healthcare providers that gave quality care with special thanks to Drs. Leigh Cantrell and Peyton Taylor at UVA, and their genuinely caring staff.
Her remaining family include her parents, Donald and Anita Smith, of Dublin; her husband, Terry; son, Devin; daughter, Megan, all of Radford; as well as her brother, Dennis Smith of Christiansburg.
A special Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Dublin First Church of God, in Dublin. Dedra's family invites you to come rejoice with us a life well lived, a race well run, and a peace well deserved.
There will be visitation with Dedra's family from 1 till 1:45 p.m., followed by a celebratory service of her life and faith beginning at 2 p.m. with the Reverend Edward Smith and the Reverend Don Neace.
In lieu of floral tributes, her family requests memorial gifts be sent to either of the following: Art /Theater (will be divided between art and theater support for local arts), or her children's scholarship funds. Please indicate your preference when sending your gift to Altizer Family /Dedra's Memory, P.O. Box 1381, Radford, VA 24143.
The Altizer family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home, in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.

Published by Roanoke Times from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Dedra ALTIZER

Not sure what to say?





Linda Fisher-Roop

February 22, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will miss you & your beautiful smile always.

Linda Roop

February 22, 2019

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Gone but never forgotten.

G. Thomas Martin, Jr.

March 16, 2013

I always called her Dee Dee; probably just to dig at here a little bit. She was a wonderful classmate at RHS, a beautiful girl and she had a great understanding of people. She was so kind in every way; a warm smile; the Lord lived through her. May God give the family and friends peace and understanding at this time.

Always, Tommie

HELENE PERKINS

March 15, 2013

At this time of loss
May you know,His compassion,
His grace,His love.
May the love of God surround you during this time of sorrow.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
BILL,HELENE PERKINS AND DELLA!

March 4, 2013

Terry & Family
So sorry to hear about Dedra. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Neal & Carolyn Stump
Christiansburg,Va.

Harold and Janet Taylor

March 2, 2013

Terry and Childern,

Our hearts are broken for you. We have been praying for you through out the illness and passing of your dear wife. You had the best. Call on us if we can do anything for you.
Sadly,
Harold and Janet Taylor
540-317-3211
540-392-3780
540-392-1161

Ron Jennings

March 2, 2013

To All the Family,

My families thoughts and prayers are with you. Dedra was loved and will be missed

Loretta Rice

March 2, 2013

Terry, Devin & Megan,

Dedra was a very amazing lady who will be sadly missed by many, as you well know. Her wisdom, faith, and the memories you shared will be everlasting. As you move forward in your lives, Dedra will be there in every step that you take to enrich your lives. Peace, courage and caring thoughts.

March 2, 2013

Terry, Devin, Meghan and Smith Family:
We are sharing in your sadness today and in all the happy memories that we had of Dedra. Please keep your faith in God and you will be at peace. She is not suffering now. God Bless all of you. Theresa Carbajo

March 2, 2013

this is for a very special person an friend.she was a loving daughter ,sister an mother an wife.she had loving heart an a smile that glowed.my heart goes out to both familes an prayers,rember she is gods angle now. crystal an ed ray

Paul Cummings

March 2, 2013

So many warm memories of Dedra, one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing. My prayers for Terry & family on your loss. A healthy Dedra will be there for you again in a much better place.

Madeline Flinchum-Hill

March 2, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Dedra; but so thankful that she has gone on to a better place. Please know that I am thinking of you all and hope that memories of Dedra will comfort you in the coming days. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Stephanie Traylor

March 1, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss but I rejoice to know that she is in the presence of our beautiful Savior. I pray that God will use this time to draw you all closer to Himself and that He will grant you the peace that passes all understanding. It has been a long time since I saw your family but I think of you often. Love to you all.

March 1, 2013

Dear Sweet Terry, Devin, Megan, and the Smith Family, how our hearts hurt for you, but also rejoice in the knowledge of her new home in Heaven. We loved traveling with your family and will never forget all the special times we had and Dedra's sweet smile. We are out of town and will not be able to attend Dedra's celebration, but will continue to keep you in our prayers. With much Love, Mary Kate and Don

Orville Sluss

March 1, 2013

Don and Anita, I am so very sorry for your loss. My God be with you and your family during this time. Orville and Brenda Sluss

Rick Akers

March 1, 2013

Thoughts, Prayer's & Love always. It was a true blessing to know Dedra & each of you.

March 1, 2013

Richard and Thelma Shupe

Beverly Bishop

March 1, 2013

To Terry and Family, I am so sorry but I know Dedra is resting now after her long battle. God will guide each of you through this time and knowing Dedra she is up there coaching him all the way. If you all should need anything please let us know. Much love and peace to you all.

Sandra Lawson

March 1, 2013

Dedra has been such an inspiration as she fought the good fight. As her friends reported to us at Fairlawn Baptist we lifted her up in prayer and gained such strength through her Christian witness.

Sue Wiff

March 1, 2013

I met Dedra at the River City Quilt Guild meetings. I loved her warmth, her smile, her enthusiasm, and that wonderful laugh! I pray that the many happy memories of her will fill the hole in your heart and help it heal.

March 1, 2013

Dear Terry and Family,
We, your cousins up North, unfortunately didn't have the chance to know Dedra. Upon reading these wonderful words from you and her friends, she must have been an amazing woman. I know you keep many precious memories in your hearts.
Love and prayers,
Barbara, Roger, Patti, Debi, and Sheila Sewall

Betsy Traylor

March 1, 2013

Terry, Devin, Megan, and Smith Family: You are in our prayers. We met Dedra in Radford 10 years ago through home schooling our children. I could easily see that she was a talented and unique lady; very warm, open, and encouraging. We are all better for having passed her way. May God bless you and comfort you.

Shirley Hodge

March 1, 2013

We had some wonderful times on the many trips we took together. Dedra's kindness, sweet smiles and her storytelling mad the trips so enjoyable. Loved the coconut candy she always put aside for me. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about Dedra. I am here to support with thoughts of peace and courage.

RALPH SHUPE

March 1, 2013

To the Altizer Family
Tonya and I share your burden in Dedra's passing and join you in the celebration of her home going. She will always be a special person in our lives.
Rev's Ralph & Tonya Shupe

Janet & Larry Minnick

March 1, 2013

May the Lord bless your family and give you peace during this time. Dedra worked for me back in the 80's at Warren Furniture. She was a very sweet person and from the sound of her close friends,she will be missed greatly. Stay strong and keep the faith!

Janie Repass

March 1, 2013

Terry, So sorry for your loss. Take comfort knowing that she is not suffering and is singing with her Lord now. You and your children will be in my thoughts and prayers.

March 1, 2013

Dedra and I became friends in 1980 and while we rarely saw each other I treasure my time and memories of her. She was full of life and I have always considered her one of my best friends.
Helen Royal

March 1, 2013

We had some wonderful times on the many trips we took as a "family". Dedra's kindness, sweet smiles and her storytelling mad the trips so enjoyable. Loved the coconut candy she always put aside for me (Shirley). Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Dedra. We are here to support with thoughts of peace and courage.

Love,

Shirley Hodge and Loretta Rice

Donita and Art Price

March 1, 2013

Art and I send our deepest and most sincere condolences. Debra was a blast to spend time with and I will remember our time spent together in the past always. I'll never forget her smile. May God bless and comfort each of you.

Linda Fisher Roop

March 1, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. DeeDee was such a sweet, caring person and she will be missed by all that knew her. May God bless you and be with you in the days to come.

Marjorie Akers and Family

February 28, 2013

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Rick and Jackie Haynes

February 28, 2013

I remember babysitting Dedra and Dennis when they were little. She was a sweet little girl and grew into an amazing lady.She had the greatest faith and found comfort in that faith. She will be missed by many.

Reggie&Doris Scruggs

February 28, 2013

Our deepest sympathies and keep us in mind

Jennifer Wharton

February 28, 2013

I miss you my kindred spirit and fantastic friend... see you again in Heaven! Love to your wonderful family.

Frank Longrie

February 28, 2013

Thinking of you and the family Terry. God Bless.

Dan and Diane Whited

February 28, 2013

Oh how we loved this lady!! When Dan had his nearly fatal accident and I was battling cancer myself, she was our Godsend. Because of her own battle scars, she could relate to people under stress like noone else we knew. God used her over and over and over again to encourage and uplift us. As her condition deteriorated and we visited her often, we were constantly amazed at the peace God gave her, the courage she showed, and her incredible valor over the pain in her body. This earth has lost an amazing human being, but Heaven has gained a deserving Saint.

Kippy Painter Roberts

February 28, 2013

Dedra was a such a beautiful person. She was an inspiration, blessing and one of those rare people that was more beautiful on the inside than outside. She will be missed. My prayers to her wonderful family and all those that shared the journey with her over the last ten years. May God Bless each of you.

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120 West Main St., Radford, VA 24141

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