Delores, 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on 30 Mar 2026 in Pascagoula, MS. She was born in Washington, D. C. to William M. and Genevieve C. Adams Beavers. Her parents had her baptized in the Gorsuch Methodist Episcopal Church in Baltimore, MD.
She was a proud daughter of Maryland. In 1952, she met and married Daniel L. Smith (from MS) while he was serving in the military. They brought two girls into this marriage, Barbara and Jeanny.
After Dan was discharged from the Army, the family settled briefly near her roots in Maryland. When that marriage ended by divorce in 1955, Delores courageously moved her girls to Mississippi. It was here she was introduced to William E. "Billy" Smith, who became a steady and vital partner, providing the stability Delores and her girls needed. They married in 1956. Delores and Billy later welcomed another girl, Rose, and finally a boy, Melvin, into their home, completing their family of four children.
A devoted homemaker, Delores established a secure and stable home in the Wolf Ridge area where she raised her four children alongside her second husband, Billy. She later took on the responsibility of raising a grandson, Bert, a commitment she fulfilled with fierce, independent devotion.
Delores was a woman of notable skills, often found at her sewing machine creating school clothes for her girls, and in later years, applying her talents in sewing, crocheting, and cross-stitch for family and for her church community. She was also a dedicated sports mom, proudly serving as a scorekeeper during her son's youth baseball games. After her children were up in age, Delores acquired a degree from Bates Business College then went on to acquire an AA from MGCC College.
An active and faithful member of Ridglea Heights Baptist Church for many years, she participated enthusiastically until health issues made attendance impossible.
Delores is preceded in death by her parents, William and Genevieve, husband Billy; oldest daughter, Barbara A. Smith Baxter; brother, William M. Beavers; sister, Joan B. Beavers Flather Hamilton; and brother, Wallace B. Cook.
Delores leaves daughters, Jeanny Smith, George Co., Rose (Eddie) Bosarge of Harrison Co.; devoted son, Melvin (Teresa) Smith, Grand Bay, AL; devoted grandson, Bert (Ann) Smith, Escatawpa; also grandson, J. Shane (Abby) Townsend, Mineral, VA; granddaughters, Misty Smith; Cecilia (Josh) Alexander, Auburn, AL, Melanie Smith and Aleesha (Jordan) Jones, both of Grand Bay, AL. Great grandchildren, Skylar Smith, Cody Mosier, NY, Samantha Smith, NY; Masen Duff, Baylee Alexander, Ryleigh and Emma Jones, Kasher, Journee, and Meelah, all of AL, and Ruth and Finnlea Townsend of VA, and one great-great grandson in NY. Delores also leaves one brother, Buddy (Shirley) Beavers, MD to mourn her.
The family thanks the staff at Plaza Nursing Home in Pascagoula for caring about Delores' well-being while she was there.
A memorial will be held at Holder-Wells Coastal Chapel presided by Delores' friend and pastor, Bro. Steve Cirlot. Friends and family may share their memories and say see-you-later, for it is never good-bye.