Sirdeaner Leigh

Sirdeaner’s Life Story

Sirdeaner Leigh was born on January 25, 1940 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of six children born to the late Gilbert and Lebanner Bey Thorpe. She was an inquisitive child, always asking her father for enlightenment about the world. That would be a driving force in her finding her purpose in life. 

  Early on, Sirdeaner was educated in the Moorish American School, later transitioning to the Philadelphia Public School System. She graduated from John Bartram High School in January of 1958 and furthered her education by receiving an Associates Degree in Business from Pierce Junior College. 

   Upon graduation from high school, Sirdeaner earned that degree all while being employed by the Navy Exchange. She began her career as a Procurement Officer advancing through the ranks to become a civilian manager of the Naval Aviation Supply Office, also know as, ASO.  Sirdeaner was featured in several news articles for her exemplary performance and numerous achievements during her 36 years of devotion to the United States Navy. 

   During that time Sirdeaner met John Leigh. They were married and from that union two sons were born, Tahzay and Jayson Leigh. 

  Sirdeaner was a snazzy dresser and a great dancer. She could definitely cut a rug. She was well versed and well rounded like her Aunt Thelma, whom she always admired. Sirdeaner was articulate, knowledgeable, well-read, and an awesome speller. Cryptograms and music were two of her favorite activities, and she also loved to travel. She was an excellent cook and there wasn’t anything that she couldn’t make for her family and friends. Cooking seemed like a way of expression for her. If the meal wasn’t right then she’d throw it out and start over. 

   She loved to entertain in the home for which she worked so hard to get. Sirdeaner was a kind hearted person who would generously open her home to family during difficult times in their lives. Sirdeaner was also like a second mom to her sons’ friends who would often visit, seeking her wisdom and council. They enjoyed the food, laughter, and honest nonjudgemental insight. She was a sweetheart but would tell it like it was. 

   Sirdeaner was a devoted mother to her two sons and loved them unconditionally. She would have gone to the end of the earth for them. Even during her final days on earth saying,” I’m going to get myself together”. She was a protector and comforter. She worked diligently to provide a loving beautiful home for her and them. Even though she was a single mother, she taught her sons how to be men and to treat people with respect. 

   In 2006, Sirdeaner suffered a cerebral hemorrhage which left her hemiplegic. While managing this condition, Sirdeaner continued to mentor, coach, and motivate family members, friends, and new acquaintances. Sirdeaner often questioned why God allowed her to be here in that condition. God answered, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11.  From that, she understood the assignment and that was to help others. Her paralysis and spreading cancer was a physical weakness that galvanized her love for others. 

Sirdeaner exemplified a Virtuous Woman as it was written in the Bible in Proverbs 31:

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

   In 2013, Sirdeaner became a first time grandmother to Jaysea. Jaysea was the highlight of her life and a splitting image of her. They look exactly alike. Sirdeaner and Jaysea had a special bond that could not be broken.

Sirdeaner leaves to cherish her memory two sons Tahzay (Stephanie) and Jayson, one granddaughter Jaysea, a sister Dorothy Rex, best friend Mary Herbert, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Submitted With Love,

The Family 

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