Delpha Boatright Herndon

Delpha was born in Clarita, Oklahoma on May 27, 1934, to Thomas and Edith Boatright. In her early life, Delpha lived with her four sisters, Lorice, Norma, Darlene, and Jan, on a farm operated by her father and mother in south central Oklahoma. Delpha accepted Jesus as her Savior while living there and her life was shaped extensively by this setting. Delpha graduated from Sapulpa High School in 1952 with many honors, including Yearbook queen. She lived in Oklahoma City and worked while she attended college. In 1955, she married Bob Herndon, her high school sweetheart. She traveled extensively in Europe during Bob’s active-duty Army tour in Germany in 1957-58. In 1963, the family of four moved from Dallas to Fort Worth where they spent the next 43 years.

Delpha was an avid homemaker. She pursued many interests including gourmet cooking, Bible Study Fellowship and entertaining family and friends in her home. Her Christmas baking was a featured article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. Family and cousins’ Christmas celebrations were a favorite with visits from Santa. She spent a brief period as a fashion model and served on the boards of Easter Seals and Southwest Christian School. She loved to serve in her church supporting the youth and women’s ministries.

Delpha left an imprint on the lives of all she touched. She was committed to her family. This commitment extended to Billie Jo Scarborough Knight, who was a child at Christ’s Haven for Children and remains a treasured member of this family. She loved spending time with her parents and sisters. Time spent with her daughters was a priority. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed trips to the zoo, swimming, shopping and firework displays throughout the years. Delpha planned summer vacations for the entire family for 25 years which provides lifelong memories. Delpha’s friendships were precious and meaningful.

Delpha delighted in travel. She and Bob travelled frequently especially after retirement. They were able to revisit old haunts in Germany and spend time in Europe, The Holy Lands, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.

The family would like to thank all who helped make her life meaningful, peaceful and comfortable. A special thanks to the ladies who helped us at home with her care, Grace, Gwen, Nisha, Pam, Rosemary along with the caregivers at Altius Senior Living and Three Oaks Hospice.

Delpha is survived by Bob, her husband of 69 years, her daughter Diane Fincher and her husband Cecil of Lubbock, Texas, grandson Jonathan Fincher of Seattle, Washington, grandson Benjamin Fincher, his wife Elizabeth, great grandson Jack, of Saint Albans, Vermont, daughter Denise Witt and her husband Don of Carrollton, Texas, granddaughter Jacy Hausmann and her husband Bret, of Dallas, Texas, granddaughter Daly Rea and her husband Patrick, great grandson Baker, of Richardson, Texas, Billie Jo Knight and her husband Jeff of Louisville, Tennessee, son John Knight of Knoxville, Tennessee, and daughter Carley Mardini and her husband Joe of Knoxville, Tennessee, sister Jan Keating of Grand Prairie Texas, and many extended family members and friends who loved her deeply.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM in The Laurel Room of Laurel Land Funeral Home. The committal will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwest Christian School of Fort Worth, Christ’s Haven for Children, or the charity of your choosing.