Obituary

Dr. Dedria Shuri Givens

March 8, 1960 — February 9, 2026

Dedria Shuri Givens made her first and only early departure on February 9, 2026, shocking everyone who knew her.

She was born on March 8, 1960 off Route 3 between Cucumber Crossing and Opossum Holler to Quentin LeMoyne Givens and Dorothea Isabel Givens, better known as “South Central Isabel.”

Most people knew her as “DD.” She attended Bowling Green School and joined every club that wore Kelly green: 4-H, Girls’ Auxiliary, you name it. This guaranteed a lifelong hatred of the color. When she graduated in 1978, the entire Route 3 community rejoiced because they finally got their party line back.

Her love affair with LSU football began with Billy Cannon’s famous run, but it was her father’s colorful fanfare that sealed the deal. By 1979, she was rushing the field as a student and earning a master’s degree in something academic, though football mania was clearly her true major. This was the beginning of her legendary LSU-themed wardrobe collection.

After barely surviving life with baby brother Stefen and his raccoon sidekick, “Coonie,” Dedria packed her bags and fled to the Middle East with her big sister, Jo’el. What followed was a series of adventures so wild that only a select few can confirm they actually happened. From the sands of Dubai to the canals of Venice, she didn’t just collect passport stamps. She gathered lifelong friends and stories so colorful people might think she was “full of it.”

Dedria later worked in state and local government, most memorably barefoot in the Governor’s mansion because shoes were optional when you’re a girl from Route 3. She married Billy Carroll on June 6, 1998 and that was the last time he was ever on time for anything. Overachiever that she was, Dedria had her first child, GraceAnn, on her 40th birthday while also pursuing her PhD from Southern Miss. Paul came later, and from then on, no family vehicle was ever truly safe.

She spent countless nights at church camps and eventually served on the Board of Central Baptist College, the first of many boards. She later became “Dr. D,” teaching at Southern University (yes, she cheated on LSU) before landing at University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she enjoyed a tenured professorship in a large corner office that doubled as a coffee lounge for anyone who wandered in. From this perch, her “red pen of love” flowed freely, and she dispensed advice (both solicited and unsolicited) to countless students whose lives she deeply impacted.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Dedria by being late for your next meeting, class or church service, but for the right reasons. Catch up with an old friend. Tell a great story. Be someone’s biggest cheerleader. Turn a stranger into your new best friend. If the lights don’t get turned out on you or you’re not at least twenty minutes late, you didn’t do it right.

Oh, and Geaux Tigers!

Dedria will be welcomed to heaven by her mama and daddy, Dorothea Isabel Givens and Quentin LeMoyne Givens, as well as her brother-in-law, Douglas “Pete” McDaniel, whom she cared for during his final days.

In addition to her immediate family, Dedria’s legacy will be carried on by her siblings: Jo’el Givens, “the big boss” (Mahmoud Alhashimi), thank you for always looking out for your little sister, especially in her final years. Stefen Givens her “baby brother” (Sandra “Handy Sandy” Givens) whom she loved to tease. She also leaves behind in-laws Mike and Alice Carroll. Dedria adored being “Aunt DD” to her nieces and nephews: Nadia Alhashimi (Ross Messer), Amon Alhashimi, Laith Alhashimi (Kourtney Russo), Quentin Givens (Patricia), Mason Givens, Buck Givens, Jamie Norman and Jared Carroll. She also cherished her great-nieces and nephews: Aidan Stein, Jaxton Alhashimi, Nathan Stein, Mason Pitre, Aspen Russo, Kai Alhashimi, Atlas Alhashimi, Nora and Emma Givens. We will all miss dancing in the kitchen with our Aunt DD.

There are countless friends who Dedria considered family. While we can’t name them all here, know that you were deeply significant to her, and your stories are part of hers.

A celebration in her honor will be held on Saturday, February 21st at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 903 Cleveland Street, Franklinton, LA. Please wear purple, and if you’re bold enough, wear a hat too. Everyone has a story about Dedria, and we’d love for you to share yours—bring your favorite photos too! We’ll stay until they turn out the lights and lock the doors.

Church Funeral Services & Crematory in Walker, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.