LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dede Toney

Position: Dyslexic Therapist
School: Woodridge Elementary School
School District: Desoto ISD
City, State: Desoto, TX

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Music that Describes Dede

Dede Toney was nominated by a family member, Michelle Steen.

It's hard to convey how phenomenal of a woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, mentor, teacher, spiritual leader Mrs. Toney is. She was diagnosed with dyslexia in the 7th grade, and she dealt with the frustration and constant embarrassment of not being able to understand or comprehend the concept of reading. Unlike her peers, Mrs. Toney could not grasp the rules of phonics. She memorized as much as she could, but it was never enough. That handicap is what started her passion, and her passion is what has driven her to teach for 30 years.

Mrs. Toney is truly a phenomenal woman! The oldest of ten, raising four children of her own, and a grandmother to 6, she has the gift of patience and servanthood to any child she comes in contact with. She started a summer camp in her home 28 years ago that focused on the fundamentals of reading for children as young as four years old. Through word of mouth and referrals, that camp prospered out of her home and developed into M.A.P.S. (Multi Academic Programs), whose mission is to bridge the gap of kids who are struggling academically and bring them where they need to be. Reading and Math are their specialties.

"Countless testimonies have been expressed to not only her loved ones, but to strangers who have reached out to her for support. With my own children learning how to read at the age of two, I can attest to how fun she makes reading for those who struggle," said Steen.

At 6 AM Monday-Friday, she diligently heads to school to start her day. She cheers on the children and rallies her peers to ensure each morning starts off as positive as can be. She always believes that once a child sets foot on campus, they should feel loved, welcomed, and valued, no matter what's going on outside of school. Mrs. Toney does extra tutoring after school for students in the community who may need continued guidance. She not only teaches them, but ensures they understand their value as a person and the stamp they could possibly leave on the world. Winning Teacher of the Year for 2018, she expressed through tears of joy her constant appreciation for the teaching profession.

“As there is constant change in education to be acknowledged so far in my career, I truly feel blessed," Toney said humbly. At that moment, however, she knew there was still work to be done and far more children to reach.

Mrs. Toney is also one of the Children Worship leaders at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, which creates platforms of creative ways for kids to worship. She is a published author of three books, with one being a message to her peers and students called “Don’t Erase the Board”. It details her struggles as a child with dyslexia and the passion and persistence it takes to make a difference in the lives of each generation.

"She is such an inspiration and role model to her family, friends, and students. If you could ask anyone for one word that describes her, it would definitely be 'SELFLESS,' said Steen. "To be able to acknowledge Dede Toney with this award in this way would be a huge token of appreciation for those who would love to express their gratitude for all that she does without ever expecting anything in return."

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Comments (10)

Sondra Stubbs Posted over a year ago

Dede Toney is one of the best teachers you could ever know. No one is more deserving of this prestigious award than her.

Willie Pegues Posted over a year ago

The nominators feedback of Mrs. Dede Toney is very accurate. I've known Dede for over 25 years and she is the most consistent, inspiring and encouraging person that I know. She is always willing to sacrifice self for others and I've seen this in so many different scenarios be it with her friends, family, students, Children's Ministry or whomever is in need. She spends countless hours preparing for her classroom, Bible Study or a friend's request for assistance; I know this to be true because I am one of those friends who have had needs. She's a creative force that God has equipped with so many talents and gifts and she has been and will always be a blessing not only to my family but to anyone who encounters or is introduced to Mrs. Toney. She shares her talents with others and so many children and adults have been touched by an Angel and that Angel is Dede Toney.

Ruth Linwood Burton Posted over a year ago

DeDe Toney is a committed wife, loving mother, working professional and friend who has worked in Children's Ministry for over thirty years. During that time she has demonstrated a love for children that is unsurpassed. She has unselfishly given of her time and her talents to create a program for children that is "LIFECHANGING." The program teaches children the Word of God and the importance of knowing Christ in their life. She has recruited others to help her in this work and she has a team that has been together for more than twenty years. The creativity that they bring to this work is undeniable. The impact it has had on thousands of children is also undeniable. We've seen children transformed from bored and unengaged to active participants in their local church. We know this is true for we see many of these children return to volunteer to help others. At a time when the church was growing and the budget was tiny, Dede used her abilities to create scripts, props, wardrobe, etc. to deliver captivating programming which taught principles children could understand and enjoy. Whenever you change the life of a child you also impact the life of his or her parents. Words can't express the respect that I have for Dede Toney for her faithfulness over so many years in impacting the lives of so many children and adults. Her creativity, truly excellent ideas, and superb execution have made me strive to be better. I am certain that many of Dede's colleagues have been encouraged and motivated to go to the next level thanks to Dede. Additionally, Dede has a incredibly generous spirt that is accompanied by a wicked sense of humor. For the impact her efforts have had on children, her kind heart, her generous spirit, her unfailing humility, and dogged determination to complete with excellence whatever she begins, DeDe Toney should be recognized as "LIFECHANGER" of the year.

Anna Sims Posted over a year ago

Dede Tonry is gifted to see beyond the surface to touch the need of others with her patients and passion. She ensures that the children know that she care and believe in their capability to learn and achieve. Over 30 years Dede and I serve together at church leading the children to develop the spirit of excellence – to work as unto the Lord with the highest degree of productivity and skilll. I have seen Dede demonstrates true humility with a positive, infectious and cheerful attitude as she seeks the wellbeing of the children. She is the "LIFECHANGER" of the year and the future to come through the lives that she has changed.

Maretta Dorsey Posted over a year ago

Dede has always been someone who has sought to reach beyond her own capabilities. This very beautiful attribute has been made immortal in every child she teaches and in turn, has impacted them as they become adults. I have always looked up to my sister and as the years have flown by, she has exemplified an impeccable strength and endurance I have never known before. I saw her strength daily, first when I would call her long distance and she was always busy doing lesson plans throughout the school year, then secondly, when I took my niece and nephew and volunteered one year at her summer camp. I have never worked so hard and felt so fulfilled in such a short time in all my life! My niece and nephew have never been so excited about learning! The summer camp provided valuable educational tools that they still use today. What a blessing! Dede's summer camp was versatile and her team showed the utmost respect and support for her. I am so proud to call Dede my sister, an outstanding teacher and the best candidate for LifeChanger of the Year award!

Margaret and Fred Dorsey Posted over a year ago

Margaret and Fred Dorsey, the parents of Dede Toney, spend special moments weekly which we call therapeutic and prayerful moments aimed at preparing her to serve all students, teachers, administration, and others with the very best of herself. Our phone calls cover Dede's various situations and challenges that comfort her daily and what we have learned in God's word that empowers her to bring the best out of students, teachers and all she interfaces with. Our parental task is to pray for her success. We thank God for the great person in her family, church, and school He created in her. We love her, are proud of her, and believe her to be the very best of the nominees for the 2019 LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Ann Duncan Posted over a year ago

Dede is a wonderful individual. She is a very hard worker, has a giant heart and always has a smile on her face and encouraging word for all. She believes in what she does and in each and every child she helps. I am very lucky to call her my sister-in-law and friend. Congratulations on your well-deserved nomination!!!

Cynthia Hightower Posted over a year ago

Dede also has traveled with other Children's Ministry workers to workshops and trainings across the state. Her purple shirt represented the Worship Ministry of OCBF. Our Director during these fun times was Dr. P. Elizabeth Cannings. Kudos to a great inspiration and colleague in Ministry. Cynthia Hightower

Elizabeth Cannings Posted over a year ago

I've known Dede for over 30+ years. We met and attend the same church. I’ve seen her as a young wife and mother. Even though, Dede had her education degree before marriage, yet she chose to stay home with her children until they were of school-age. I would describe Dede as a Child-Whisperer, one who is gentle and fairly attuned with students in her care. I have always admired and appreciated her love, passion and dedication for children to love learning. She sees that her life-long steadfastness will produce results in the children she teaches both directly or indirectly. In other words, she believes it would happen now and/or in time and therefore, she gives it her all. She is relentless with her time and energy not only during the week as a teacher, but as a worship leader on Sunday’s at church, and in her summers off. As her daughter Michelle noted above, she starts her day off early and ends it late. She intentionally wants each child to know she believes in them, and that they matter. And therefore, I am proud to write this note to say, yes, she is a LifeChanger.

Zanetta Brown- Sister Posted over a year ago

Dede has been my favorite person since I was a little girl. Her selflessness, patience, problem-solving, intelligence, huge heart has motivated me to become the me God wants me to be. Dede is also kind, has a great work ethic, and cares deeply for the students she teaches and even those that she does not. Her talent has been enhanced by her constant drive to continue learning and reinventing herself daily. As a published author of 3 books she continues to break barriers just as she did as a child with her own struggles with a learning disability. I am so proud to call her my sister! She is awesome and should win the Lifechanger of the Year Award. She is completely deserving of it!