Desirae Kare Wooten

Desirae Kare Wooten, cherished daughter, sister, fiancee, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 31, 2025, at the age of 31. Born on May 14, 1994, in East Liverpool, Ohio, the daughter of Ray Wooten and Candace Watson Thompkins, Desirae spent her life enveloped in the love and warmth of her close-knit family and community.

Desirae’s remarkable spirit shone brightly throughout her short life; she embodied resilience and grace. Despite the challenges she faced, including her battle with Renal Cell Carcinoma and Von Hippel-Lindau Disease (VHL), she remained an inspiring figure to all who knew her. VHL took her sight, but blindness did not hinder her spirit; rather, it strengthened her resolve. Her fingertips danced effortlessly across crochet projects, creating beauty through touch alone.

Known for her impeccable taste in cosmetics and her fascination with the paranormal, Desirae was a woman of many interests. Her admiration for Marilyn Monroe extended to naming her beloved cat in the icon’s honor. Music was also a source of joy and solace for Desirae, especially the works of Eminem, whose words resonated deeply with her.

A firm believer that everything happens for a reason, Desirae embodied strength, care, and compassion throughout her life. After the passing of her dear sister, D’errica, she formed an unbreakable bond with her sister’s children, embracing them as her own. She treasured foot baths and spa days with her niece Maliyah, forming memories filled with laughter and love. Though discipline was never her strong suit, her nurturing nature left an indelible mark on her nieces.

Desirae faced her prolonged illness with remarkable courage, rarely voicing complaints and finding solace in her family’s unwavering support. Family was most important to her. She enjoyed being surrounded by her loved ones, but could also be content at home watching television with her fiance, whom she lovingly called her “babe.”

Desirae was predeceased in death by her cherished sister, D’errica Wooten, and her beloved grandmother, Debra Shuman.

Those left to cherish her memory include her devoted parents, Ray Wooten and Candace Watson Thompkins; her brothers, Allen Michael Wooten and Marius Thompkins; grandparents: Raymond and Mary Crago and Allen and Annetta Shuman; her fiance, Patrick Gordon; nieces, Maliyah Ann McLaughlin and Kinslee Noelle Triner; aunt Marian (Brian) Edgell; and her cousin Bryce.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Martin Chapel of Care Funeral & Cremation in Calcutta. A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., led by Pastor Tom Adkins of Campground Community Church. Desirae will be laid to rest privately in Riverview Cemetery, near her beloved sister.

11/5/25