SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — The family of a DCFS worker killed in the line of duty continues to grieve her loss.

Diedra Silas, 36, was stabbed to death one week ago Wednesday as she investigated reports of child abuse at a home 20 miles south of Springfield. Six children were in the home at the time, though none of them were hurt.

Silas’ mother said that her daughter was a working mother of two who dedicated her life to protecting other children. She believes that Silas, even in death, would still continue to recruit others to follow her career path.

“You know, what? It’s a challenging job, but if you’re thinking about the kids, then this is what, if you’re called to do it, go ahead and do it,” said Silas’ mother Barie Graham. “That’s the kind of love if you have for kids, then you think like, I want to just help somebody, his child. You know, whatever way you can. You just want to help somebody’s child, and I think that’s what Deidra was doing.”

Her father, Roy Graham, said that she deserves the honors civil servants get when they lose their lives in the line of duty. They questioned why she went into a dangerous situation alone.

“I guarantee if there was a cop, or firefighter, they get honor,” Graham said. “They’d be lined up marching for them, but it’s not like that.”

“Being that, that was my one and only sister, I have no other siblings,” added Mario Graham, Silas’ brother. “So, now it’s just me and my parents and it sucks, because that shouldn’t have happened to my sister.”

The family said that they are taking comfort knowing that Silas’ accused killer, 32-year-old Benjamin Reed, could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Silas will be laid to rest this weekend in Springfield.