Deitra Yavette Cole

Deitra Yavette Cole was born the fifth of 12 children on October 13, 1969, in Milton, FL to Samuel Benton Cole, Jr. and Julia Jordan. She was preceded in death by her mother, Julia Jordan; and two brothers: Samuel Cole, III and Patrick Cole.

To be closer to relatives and after their father’s time in the U.S. Navy, Deitra and the family moved to Lexington, MO in 1971 and shortly moved to Kansas City, and back to Lexington, MO where she attended Lexington High School. During her youth, Deitra took an interest in sports such as volleyball, track and field, and softball. Deitra gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Danielle, and graduated from Lexington High School in 1988. Deitra took a liking to computers and went on to pursue Computer Science at DeVry College.

At an early age, Deitra attended Zion AME Church and Second Baptist Missionary Church in Lexington, MO. She was a very spiritual woman and extended her love for Christ to her daughter, Danielle, who enjoyed attending Sunday School and other church functions.

Deitra worked for multiple companies over the years. She was employed with Motel 6 as a Manager, Citgo Gas Station as a Manager, and most currently, a HR Manager for AC Logistics. Through all her jobs, there was one thing in common; she had a true heart for helping and caring for people. 

Although Deitra faced a period of incarceration, she had a remarkable ability to rise above adversity and used that time to make a positive difference. She dedicated her time and efforts to become an inspiration to others by teaching Restorative Justice classes in the Impact of Crime on Victims Classes (ICVC) program and the Pathways From Prison to Postsecondary Education Project to increase education and employment opportunities for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals by supporting an expansion of educational opportunities in prison and subsequent entry into higher education after release.

Deitra, those who affectionately knew her as Hussie, enjoyed the simple things in life. You could always find her snuggled up on the couch crocheting or watching her favorite TV shows – Game of Thrones, Bones, and of course cheering on her Kansas City Chiefs! Deitra enjoyed traveling and seeing new things. Of all the places she visited, she loved visiting the Disney parks because she truly was a kid at heart. During her daily routine, she loved caring for her sidekick Moosie and providing him with a luxurious dog life.

Deitra enjoyed cooking and developed a love for cooking in her early childhood years. She enjoyed trying new recipes and always enjoyed indulging in any dishes with chicken in the ingredient list. She once made a batch of sugar cookies for her siblings at a younger age. Unfortunately, instead of grabbing the sugar, she added 4 cups of salt, making them “salt cookies” instead of sugar cookies.

Deitra enjoyed spending countless amounts of time with her daughter, Danielle. She recently moved to Charlotte, NC to be in the same city as Danielle. Together, they made a host of mother and daughter memories to be cherished and last a lifetime. Danielle recalls the appreciation that they had for one another. From leaving unwavering love notes around the house to traveling to Disney, The Grand Canyon, Hawaii and many other places together where the laughs and smiles were nonstop.

Deitra was a beautiful soul inside and out.  She was an encourager, and she loved to mentor others. She would help anyone with whatever they needed if it was within her means to do so. There were many friends and family that came to Deitra for her encouraging words. Her beaming smile was enough to light up any room. She greatly impacted the lives of all those she encountered and will forever remain in our hearts as a lasting reminder of love, compassion, and kindness.

On Monday, November 13, 2023, Deitra Yavette Cole transitioned into eternity, to forever be with the Lord. She leaves to cherish her memory: Father, Samuel Benton Cole, Jr of Lexington, MO; one daughter, Danielle Cole of Charlotte, NC; four brothers, Anthony Cole (Trina) of Columbia, SC, Avery Cole of Houston, TX, Christopher Williams of Independence, MO, Tyler Cole of Grain Valley, MO; five sisters, Stacey Cole of Independence, MO, Alois Johnson of Denver, CO, Brandy Cole of Orlando, FL, Courtney Jones of Jefferson City, MO, Catherine Simpson of Lee’s Summit, MO, two best friends, Sunshine Jefferson and Deborah Starr, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm at Second Baptist Church, Lexington, Missouri.  A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm at the church.  Memories and condolences may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South Street, Lexington, MO  64067, 660-259-2245.