Rosie Lee Delyles

Mrs. Rosie Lee Thornton DeLyles, was 99 years of age on Friday May 5, 2023 when she journeyed home. It was in New Orleans, LA that she was born to Rev. Aaron Thornton and Mrs. Louise Wilson Thornton. Rosie Lee (often called Rose) moved to Little Rock, AR where she lived with her mother, father, six sisters and one Brother. It was in Arkansas where she met James Winfrey DeLyles and became a wife and mother of one handsome son and three beautiful daughters.

From her hard work and labor as a hairdresser, Furniture Factory employee, Kellwood machine operator, to a Riverside Hospital retiree; Rosie’s greatest accomplishments are best known as her compassionate and devoted service to others. Due to her shy and quiet nature, many remained unaware that she spent many years as a caregiver for others; including her mother, father, and husband, until they were called home. She found great pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Rosie Lee Thornton DeLyles was a dedicated member of St. John Baptist Church, and it was within her own home that she began her ministry to two of her grandchildren for whom she was a caregiver. She was a deeply spiritual soul who found her peace in prayer and the reciting of Psalms 23 as advised by her Father. On a good day, you might have been treated to an anecdote from her unwritten book of stories about growing up in Louisiana or Arkansas. There is no denying that she will be remembered for her mastery as a cook who knew her way around the kitchen and her generous heart that was unable to witness anyone “go hungry”.

Mrs. Rosie Lee Thornton Delyles was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Arie Lee Thornton, Louise McCastle, Mary Hollis, Helen Thornton and her brother Aaron Thornton Jr.; as well as, her husband James Winfrey Delyles Sr., her son Winfrey DeLyles Jr. and her daughter Janet Lee DeLyles. She is survived by her sister Glordy Jordan, Verlena Randall, daughters Joyce Ann Perkins and Kathleen DeLyles; her grandchildren Tonya Grimes, Kimberly DeLyles, Khalisha Kristen Croom-Roberts, Jason Perkins, and Karmen Croom, several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the Delyles family.