Deirdre Dihan Blue was born on February 20, 1967 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. She was the only child of Claudie Edward Blue and Tommie Dell (Harrison) Blue. Her father, Claudie, retired as a Chief Senior Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force. Her mother, Tommie, retired as an elementary school teacher with more than 30-years of service. Claudie and Tommie Blue passed away only four days apart on April 9 th and April 13th of 2016, respectively.
Deirdre was fondly nicknamed “Dee Dee” by her parents. She was a cheerful child who enjoyed singing and playing piano. She also participated in the performing arts including jazz, tap and ballet. Dee Dee attended elementary and middle school at Dupont Park Adventist School and graduated from Takoma Academy, A Seventh Day Adventist High School in 1985. After graduating high school, she studied Business Administration at Morgan State University, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in 1989.
With her degree in hand, Dee Dee, began a 26-year federal career. From 1990 to 2016, she served as a Program Analyst at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection and retired as a Relocation Specialist.
Family meant everything to Dee Dee. Her parents were the love of her life and a major influence in every way. Since childhood, Dee Dee went everywhere with a book and maintained her love for reading, which was likely spurred by her mother’s passion for education and learning. Dee Dee also loved to laugh. Coincidentally, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Between Dee Dee and her father, there was always an opportunity for a good belly laugh.
Though she spent her formative years in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, she regularly visited Texas and California to spend time with her extended family. As an only child, it was always a joy to create new memories with her many cousins. Dee Dee also loved children, and in addition to her role as a cousin, friend, and niece, she was also a loving and devoted babysitter. Dee Dee was always eager to care for any of the little ones as she lived vicariously through each of their childhood experiences.
Like her parents, Dee Dee was a steadfast member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Arlington, VA, where she sang in the gospel choir. Dee Dee loved God and it was her faith and the strong love from family and friends that helped her through various health struggles. Her faith was truly tested when she lost both of her parents. Even under such difficult circumstances, she remained positive. All who knew her were touched by her contagious smile and her sweet giggle that would brighten up a room. Dee Dee was not shy at all. In fact, her vibrant personality was magnetic and drew those around her even closer. She never knew a stranger. Her kindred spirit affected everyone -- family, friends, caregivers, and even her health care providers.
Considering her medical challenges, you never heard Dee Dee complain. She deeply cared more about the well-being of others. God gives us all special gifts, and today we are thankful for the gifts of love, compassion and laughter that Deirdre “Dee Dee” Blue shared with the world.
Dee Dee leaves to mourn and cherish her memories, aunts, uncles, cousins especially her “cousin-brothers” Michael D. Reagins (Adrienne) and Keith Blue, along with a host of life-long friends.
