Dyalelah "Leah" Rodriguez

Obituary for Dyalelah "Leah" Rodríguez

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we gather to celebrate the joyful life of Dyalelah Rodríguez, affectionately known as Leah, who danced into eternity on October 10, 2025.

Leah was born on January 1, 1953, in Washington, DC, and from that day forward, she filled the world with warmth, laughter, and an infectious zest for life. Leah's spirit was a radiant force. She never met a stranger, turning every encounter into a moment of connection with her boundless kindness, quick wit, and welcoming heart. Leah lived life as an adventure, embracing travel with open arms and an eager heart, soaking in new cultures and experiences that enriched her soul. Her love for poetry and music was a gift she shared generously, weaving words and melodies to express her deepest joys and connect with those around her. Above all, Leah's greatest passion was the people she loved, her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched with her vibrant energy.

Leah's legacy shines on through her beloved children, from eldest to youngest:

• Shandyka "Shandy" Crew, married to Kendall Crew

• Atilla Rodríguez (deceased)

• Elisa "Lee" Gillespie

• Milagro "Millie" Sizelove, married to Jordan Sizelove

She was also the proudest grandmother, delighting in her grandchildren, from eldest to youngest:

• Tesa Stokes, married to David Stokes

• Jenna Johnson

• Leilani Lee

• Imani Poem Rodriguez

• Jessiah, Jacob, and Jonathan Sizelove

Dyalelah leaves behind her siblings, Lavonne, Thomasine, Alphonso, Andre, Doris and Denise and was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Anthony. She will also be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. 

Leah's heart was also entwined with her partner of 20 years, Tony Wells, whose love and companionship brought her joy through life's many chapters.

Leah was a beacon of love, a storyteller, a confidante, and a friend to all. Her laughter could light up a room, and her ability to make everyone feel like family was her greatest gift. Her life was a masterpiece of connection, creativity, and celebration, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

We invite you to join us in honoring Leah's incredible life at a graveside celebration on October 20, 2025, at Oak Ridge Memorial Park, 1501 Bethel Valley Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37831 at 10 a.m. EST. Bring your stories, your laughter, and your love as we share memories of Leah's warmth, her adventures, and the joy she brought to the world. In lieu of flowers, Leah would have loved for you to share a kind word, a song, or a moment of connection with someone in her honor. Her favorite colors were red and purple, so please do not feel restricted to black only attire.

Leah's journey on this earth may have ended, but her light burns brightly in every heart she touched. Let's celebrate her by living as she did, with passion, kindness, and a love for life that knows no bounds. Here's to you, Leah. Your laughter echoes, your love endures, and your spirit will forever shine.

Mott-McKamey Funeral Home and Cremations is assisting the Rodriguez family.