Deanna Pridgen

Deanna Virginia Pridgen, the daughter of the late Loretta Miller and Leonard Pearson, was born on January 24, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland. She departed this life on Friday, February 4, 2022. Deanna married the late James T. Pridgen, and out of this union three children were born Andre’, Celina and Lori. She received her high school diploma from Frederick Douglas High School in Baltimore. Deanna was employed as a dental technician, but her real commitment was being a wife, mother, and community activist. She was a former president of her neighborhood association “Pimlico Good Neighbor Association.” Deanna was a devoted and lifelong member of Community Baptist Church of Walbrook where she was a Trustee and head of the prayer group. She faithfully attended bible study and prayer meeting. Deanna belonged to various organizations. She was the Ecumenical Celebrations Coordinator for Church Women United for the state of Maryland and President of Church Women United of Greater Baltimore. She was also a member of Child Evangelism Fellowship where she formed the Good News Club for the neighborhood children. On October 6, 1981, Deanna was initiated into the Order of Eastern Star. She was a faithful, committed, and dedicated member of Rebecca Chapter #5, St. Mary’s Grand Chapter (Maryland), National Grand Chapter for forty years. She was also a member of the Carlillie Parker #1 Court of Amaranth. During her time with the organization, she served as the Treasurer, Secretary, and Worthy Matron of Rebecca Chapter, #5 and the Associate Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Matron of St. Mary’s Grand Chapter. She was deeply loved by her sisters across the National Organization and was highly respected as the longest serving and the eldest member of the State of Maryland. She was affectionately known as the Momma of the Chapter. Deanna was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She never raised her voice or seemed to get angry. Mama Dee, as she was affectionately known, was a mother-figure for the neighborhood kids. When you felt like you needed advice or someone to just listen and not judge you, Deanna was the one to call. She will surely be missed for her generous heart, kind spirit, and beautiful smile. One of the most assuring things she said before she hung up from talking to you was “Be Blessed.” She leaves to cherish her memory: her son Andre’ Pridgen, honorary son Keith Hines, daughters Celina Stewart (Anthony) and Lori Hart (Darnell); grandchildren: LaKisha, LaSandra, Anthony, Morgan, Jonathan, Jabre, Angel, Gabriel, Aaron, Eric, Kenny, Josh, and Christina; great grandchildren: Mikyah, Paris, Journey, Jabrea, Chayse, Azari, and D’Anthony. Also left to cherish her memory are sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding her in death: husband James Pridgen, brothers Fulton Hines, James Douglas, and Purnell Coleman.

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Deanna Pridgen

January 24, 1940 - February 4, 2022