Mrs. Deirdre Kelly Hector

Deirdre Kelly Hector was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 6, 1963, to the proud parents of Melvin and Zelma Kelly. She was the youngest of five children and according to her the most personable and talented. Deirdre grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Shaker Heights High School in 1981. Higher education was always emphasized in the family home and Deirdre always excelled in school. Following graduation, she went on to earn an Associate Degree from the University of Cincinnati, a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dyke College, and a Master of Health Care Administration from the University of Chicago. Always a hard worker Deirdre began her professional career working for the Cleveland Health Department until she was offered a position with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a Public Health Advisor. She hadn’t worked there long before supervisors noticed her leadership skills and her ability to get along with others. This allowed her to quickly get promoted to Program Analyst and Management. Throughout her career, Deirdre worked in five different health departments: Ohio, Detroit, Palm Beach, Chicago, and Atlanta. Over the years she was asked to head many projects for the CDC and finally retired after 33 years of public service in September 2021. Deirdre met and married the love of her life Michael G. Hector in April 1990. To this union three children were born, Michael Jr., Marcus, and Courtney Michelle. Deirdre loved her family and couldn’t wait to update anyone who listened about what each one was up to. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her kids and grandchildren. Family meant the world to her which included blood family members and her adopted family as well. Anyone who knew Deirdre grew to love her as she loved them. Her door was always open to those who either needed a hot meal, a place to stay or just someone to confide in. She never turned anyone away and was always there to extend a helping hand. She had strong opinions about how she wanted to live her life and she did it her way. Deirdre lived life to the fullest and enjoyed traveling, cooking, playing games, watching reality TV, entertaining, hanging out with friends, planning family vacations and reunions, discussing politics, and vacationing with her Mother and sisters. She was always the life of the party, and she will be dearly missed! Deirdre accepted Christ and was baptized in 1979 at Mt Gillion Baptist Church. With her belief and strong faith, she strived to live her life as such. She moved to Atlanta in 2001 where she joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a faithful member until her homegoing. Deirdre departed this life and received her wings on Friday, November 18, 2022. She was preceded in death by her father Melvin Kelly Sr., her brother Melvin (Sheila) Kelly Jr., and sister Lorraine (Tom Sr.) Shoulders. She leaves to cherish her life, her husband Michael G. Hector, sons Michael Jr., and Marcus, stepson Antwuan, and daughter Courtney Michelle. Grandsons Ace Kelly Powell and Zaire Adonis Hector. Loving mother Zelma Kelly. Sisters Bwendolyn (Leroy) Turner and Cheryl (Carl Sr.) Jordan. Nephews Tom Shoulders Jr., Carl Jordan Jr., Craig Jordan, and Miles Kelly. Nieces Myla Kelly, Jessica Hector, and Denita Ray. As well as a host of extended family and friends who adored her as well. She will be sorely missed. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons and Crematory Lawrenceville 770-338-5558

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Mrs. Deirdre Kelly Hector

August 6, 1963 - November 18, 2022