Family, friends, co-workers remember Silas during services at Union Baptist Church

Family, friends and co-workers filled the pews of Union Baptist Church to celebrate the life of Deidre (Graham) Silas on Saturday morning.

They described the slain Department of Children and Family Services child protection specialist, 36, as a woman who dedicated her life to helping others and especially children. People who knew her best praised her for being a humanitarian.

“In Deidre, we saw an extraordinary young woman. Deidre was on a rescue mission. Deidre’s life was a rescue mission,” said Roberta Lynch, executive director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.

Earlier: Illinois flags to fly at half-staff in honor of DCFS specialist who was fatally stabbed

Lynch was among several to speak from the podium.

“Deidre dedicated her young life, too short life, to saving the lives of children and we will go forward in that mission,” Lynch said. “We are here today to celebrate her life. We are here today to honor her life and we are here today to pledge to carry on the vital work she was doing.”

Silas, of Springfield, was fatally stabbed Jan. 5 while making a visit to a home in Thayer.

DCFS Director Marc Smith echoed Lynch’s sentiments.

“I want to say thank you to Deidre for everything that she gave to the children and the state of Illinois. I want to thank her for her commitment to service,” Smith said.

Related: Republicans call for hearings into DCFS after deaths of Springfield investigator, child

During the program, family and friends also gave remarks including Mario Graham, Silas’ brother.

Graham described his older sister as a queen who held multiple crowns.

While in high school, she made the honor roll while participating in the Boys & Girls Clubs, being a Scope mentor, and participating in the UBC youth ministry. Silas went on to get her Bachelor of Science in criminal justice science in 2008 and a master's degree in public administration in 2019.

Graham reflected on his sister’s outgoing personality.

“My sister always had a smile on her face and could talk anyone’s ear off,” he said.

After remarks were given by friends and family, the UBC Choir sang a rendition of “I Need You to Survive.”

The service ended with the Rev. T. Ray McJunkins, Union Baptist Church's lead pastor, delivering words of comfort.

McJunkins met Silas 20 years ago while interviewing for a position at UBC. McJunkins described her as a devout Christian.

“What that gentleman didn’t understand was while he was taking the life of Deidre, he didn’t realize that what he was doing was pushing her from this earthly to eternal life," McJunkins said.

Benjamin H. Reed, 32, of Thayer faces charges in the death of Silas.

Contact Royale Bonds: rbonds@gannett.com, twitter.com/@Royaleb59699722

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Family, friends of slain Illinois DCFS worker mourn her at funeral