Delores Linda Dean

Delores Linda White was born on March 29, 1941, in Mount Vernon, New York, the eldest child of Priscilla White and Clarence Washington (stepfather). She was educated in the New York Public School system, grew up in the Bronx and was an active member of Loyal Baptist Church where she served on the Junior Usher Board.

In November 1957, Delores married Clinton Fort (United States Navy) and to this union seven children were born. Delores and Clinton relocated their family from New York to California by the Spring of 1965.

As a military wife her passions were: nurturing her family, cooking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafting, reading and painting.

Later in life, Delores married Charles Hayes (United States Navy), and the family expanded to include two more children plus children from Charles’ previous marriage. The Navy relocated the family from California to Rhode Island and eventually to Florida.

It was in Florida that Delores started a career in Food Service management with the Navy Exchange on Pensacola Naval Air Station. Delores enjoyed serving kindness to military men and women through her work. She became that familiar, friendly person that befriended many young enlistees, Naval Hospital physicians, and Blue Angel Pilots.

Once again Delores married. She became the wife of Lucius Dean (US Navy) and they enjoyed cooking, fishing off the Gulf Coast and spending time with their blended family.

She retired in 2006 and relocated to Atlanta, Georgia which provided the opportunity for her to travel and spend precious time with family that expanded beyond her children and grandchildren to include great-grandchildren. Delores quickly settled in and enjoyed all that Atlanta offered. She made many friends and fellowshipped at Mountain West Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

Her travels did not stop there.

Delores departed this earth to take residence in her ‘Heavenly Home’ to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. She joins her parents, Priscilla and Clarence Washington; her sisters, Lula Brown and Carol Kemp; her son, Jerome Fort and many beloved family members.

Delores leaves behind her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family members to grieve and celebrate her life through cherished memories.

Her children thank you for your prayers and words of comfort.

Children:

1. Derek and Rose Fort of Tampa, Florida;

2. Valerie Fort of Spring, Texas;

3. Denise Fort of Atlanta, Georgia;

4. Tyrone and Michelle Fort of Duluth, Georgia;

5. Donald Fort of San Jose, California;

6. Wayne and Tina Fort of Hinesville, Georgia;

7. Eric and Janie Hayes of Pensacola, Florida;

8. Clarisse Dubose of Pensacola, Florida;

9. Charles and Tracey Hayes of Belleville, Illinois;

10. Celestine Hayes of O'Fallon, Illinois;

11. Camilla Richardson, Reston, Virginia

Grandchildren:

1. Ilyanna and Alan Clark;

2. Nikole Howard;

3. Roger Provost, Jr.;

4. Shayla Fort;

5. Anthony Fort;

6. Clinton Fort;

7. Clarence Fort;

8. Priscilla Fort;

9. Moneesha Fort;

10. Marquis Fort;

11. Essence and Isaiah West

12. Jalil Bethea-Fort

13. Rashon and Malaysha Bethea-Fort

14. Ahjahnai Fort

15. Jaylen Fort

16. Chalatia Hayes

17. Tykaela Hayes

18. Tiffany Bartholemew

19. Christina Hayes

20. Jordan Hayes

21. Douglas and LaMargie Hayes

22. Dexter Evans

23. Xavier Williams

24. D’Asia Barge

25. Nickolas Dante McCarter

26. Krystyle Hayes

27. Alexis Hayes

28. Dillon Williams

29. Jazmyne Hayes

30. Diamond Thomas

Great-grandchildren:

1. Marcus Jackson, Jr.

2. Cameron Clark

3. MaKenzie Clark

4. Jamarion Jackson

5. Emmanuel Jackson

6. Makahaila Fort

7. Anahi Fort

8. Rosemarie Fort

9. Joel Fort

10. Yarieliz Casillas Rodriguez

11. Yamaris Fort

12. Joshua Purdy

13. Mackenzie Fort

14. Christopher Fort

15. Kaylee Fort

16. Liam Fort

17. Massai Bethea

18. Sedrick Richardson

19. La’Darius Richardson

20. Devin Richardson

21. Denale Hayes

22. Jniya McShan

23. Keandre Hayes

24. Kennedy Young

25. Khori Young

26. Jordan Evans

27. Alexander Evans

28. Telawn Washington, Jr

29. Jaden Hayes Burnette

30. Liam Hayes Burnette

31. Isiah Purifoy