Deedra Kay Hardman

Deedra Kay Hardman was born on July 1, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida to Manuel DeeArmond and Margaret Kate Hardman. As her dad was called Dee, her name was fashioned to honor her father in true southern style; Deedra.

Deedra was a friendly and outgoing soul from the start. She made friends wherever she went and as her dad was in the U.S. Navy she attended schools in Washington and Georgia before the family lived on the Naval base in Coronado and ultimately settled in Chula Vista, California.

Being 5 and 7 years older than her sister, Kerris, and brother, Bubba (Manuel) respectively, she was given the responsibility of being the eldest from the very start. She took that duty and title seriously her entire life.

Deedra loved children and they loved her back! She was the proud Auntie of her sister's son, Jake Shaffer, and also of her best friend's daughter, Jennifer Edwards, and her 3 daughters too! Deedra was a second mother to them in her heart, and theirs. She was also delighted to have children at St. Paul's, Plum Pottery, and California Bank and Trust to love and watch grow. Donations in her name to the children of Dorcas House would make her proud.

Deedra's lifelong career was banking and she spent most of it at First Interstate, United California Bank and California Bank and Trust. Her clients and co-workers became friends and family.

St. Paul's Cathedral became Deedra's spiritual home and the fellowship she found there was a true life's blessing. She shared her love of the Cathedral naturally and sincerely and was responsible for helping many join the congregation she was so proud of. All were welcome as Deedra's friend and she had found a church where all were welcome. It was a perfect fit.

Deedraware has become a prized possession among her friends and family over her years at Plum Pottery. Deedra's chair was at the head of the table and she loved creating, sharing life with her Plum Pottery friends, and sharing a bottle of wine, too.

Deedra passed over on September 3, 2015, after a battle with cancer took an unexpected turn. Her mother often said she "never met a stranger" and that was true but what was also true is that she was a loyal friend and never wanted to leave or lose one.