Deloris J. Duff

Deloris (Richardson) Duff, affectionately known to many as Lois, Dee, Mom, Nana, Yaya/Grandma, Momma Dee, and Coach Dee, was born on December 22, 1941, to James and Eugene (Jean) Richardson at General Hospital (formerly Wishard Hospital, now Eskenazi Health) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Deloris was the cherished only child of her parents.

At an early age, Deloris professed her hope in Christ, was baptized, and united with Mount Zion Baptist Church. She proudly served as a member of the Mount Zion Greeters.

In 1966, Deloris met the love of her life, William Duff, and on March 25, 1972, the two were united in Holy Matrimony. Their union was blessed with a love that endured for 53 years, 11 months, and 359 days—just six days shy of their 54th wedding anniversary. From this loving marriage were born three children: Jarrod (Rod), Andrea (Andi), and Portia.

Dee’s heart for motherhood extended beyond biology, as she motherly embraced Jean Howard, as her own. The family affectionately and proudly acknowledges Jean as Sister/Daughter, a testament to Dee’s boundless love and nurturing spirit.

Deloris attended Indianapolis Public School 87 (IPS 87) and later earned her high school diploma from The Historic Shortridge High School. She continued her education by completing a business certification at Indiana Business College, then pursued an undergraduate degree at Indiana University–Indianapolis in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Upon graduating high school in 1959, just one week later, Dee began her professional career at the Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Finance Center, where she served as a secretary for eight years, marking the beginning of a lifetime of dedication, professionalism, and excellence.

In February 1967, Deloris’ career path led her to Eli Lilly and Company, where she was gainfully employed as a departmental secretary. She served in Community and Guest Relations, playing an integral role in helping to organize and support volunteer initiatives.

Dee assisted in coordinating volunteer programs for Eli Lilly & Co. in partnership with Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Indiana and worked closely with the Indianapolis Urban League, along with numerous other civic and service organizations.

After 25 years of dedicated and exemplary service, Deloris retired from Eli Lilly in December 1993, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, service, and community engagement.

Following retirement, Dee continued her commitment to empowering others by working with Trustee Leadership

Development for two years. Leveraging her advanced writing skills, she then established her own business, Document Developers, a résumé writing and career coaching service. Dee was a Certified Résumé Writer and Career Coach, credentialed by the Professional Association of Résumé Writers and Career Coaches.

Document Developers became a highly successful business for more than 25 years, helping countless individuals achieve professional growth and advancement, until the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020–2021 slowed her efforts.

Dee and Bill shared a deep love for travel, an adventure they embraced together with enthusiasm and joy. Their journeys took them across the United States and around the world, where they formed lasting friendships through the travel group NPN. Among the many destinations they explored were New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, France, Spain, Greece, the Bahamas, and several Caribbean islands, along with extensive travel throughout the United States. Together, they enjoyed nine cruises, creating treasured memories that reflected their shared love of discovery, fellowship, and life.

Deloris was an avid bowler who dedicated more than 50 years of unwavering time, talent, and passion to youth bowling. Lovingly known as Coach Dee, she mentored and led youth bowlers across the State of Indiana, throughout the United States, and as far as Ontario, Canada, competing in local, national, and international tournaments. Her award winning bowling career culminated in her induction into the Indianapolis USBC Hall of Fame in 2008, a testament to her excellence and influence in the sport.

During her tenure, Dee achieved bowling perfection with one perfect 300 game and one 800 series (804)—a rare and remarkable accomplishment. Her dedication as a youth coach spanned many bowling centers, including 421 Bowl, Jubilee Bowl, Woodland Bowl, All Star Bowl, and Western Bowl. She played a pivotal role in expanding the Junior TNBA (The National Bowling Association) youth organization, organizing tournament squads both locally and nationally, and actively recruiting youth bowlers for the Central Regional Junior Tournament (Easter Weekend), as well as numerous local and state competitions.

Never slowing down, Coach Dee extended her coaching expertise, serving as a high school assistant bowling coach for Ritter High School and Avon High School from 2020 to 2024, continuing to shape lives well into her later years.

Deloris was also a monumental pillar of support for her beloved Shortridge High School. Along with fellow classmates, she helped establish the Shortridge High School Alumni Association, serving as its first and longest serving president. Her commitment knew no bounds, as she held every leadership position within the association throughout the years. In recognition of her extensive and dedicated service, Deloris was inducted into the Shortridge High School Hall of Fame in 2023.

Deloris is preceded in death by her grandparents, Henry and Dimple Lee Parker; her parents, James L. Richardson and Eugene (Jean) Richardson; and her beloved granddaughter, Alia Reeves.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, William (Bill) Duff; her son, Jarrod Duff; her daughters, Andrea Duff, and Portia Duff; and, Jean (DeAngelo) Howard.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Breya (Brian) Johnson, Chaney Duff Whitfield, Jalen (Duff) Keaton, Trevar Thompson, Kyran Hawkins, Cayden Beaty, Darriyah Howard, Zaire Howard, and DeAngelo Howard Jr. She was also blessed with great grandchildren: Jamya Johnson, Jayden Xavier Johnson, Janea Johnson, Brian Johnson Jr., and Avayah Al Sharif.

Deloris leaves behind a host of close family and a vast community of friends who were blessed to share in her 84 years of life, love, leadership, and service.

Deloris was truly a blessing to every life she touched and will be deeply loved, profoundly missed, and forever remembered

Visitation will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, Memorial Chapel, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, on April 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, Memorial Chapel, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46208, on April 17, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm.