Delores Kay Jernell

Delores was born on September 30,1951 to Thurmond and Violet Richards in Holden, WV. Her true grit evolved from her childhood in Harts, WV. Delores loved and respected nature from a young age and having Native American heritage was a way of life. She adored her grandparents and great-grandparents, Brumfield, Adkins, and Phillips.

Delores attended Marshall University before obtaining her Master’s at New York Theological Seminary. She was ordained as Minister at Park Slope Baptist in Brooklyn, New York. She shared her profound faith as chaplain at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York. Wearing her armor and moving mountains, she obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia while employed at St. Catherine’s Preparatory school. Rooted in her beliefs, she was reunited as pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Logan, WV. A woman of God-fearing faith, educating and cultivating the minds of countless adults and children. Her fiery spirit, unwavering determination, and unmatched work ethic led her passion to pursue her Master’s in Educational Leadership Administration. Serving WVU and West Virginia Board of Education until her retirement.

Delores Kay was a loving mother and grandmother, devoted to her family. Her elegance had a wild side, but she had amazing grace. Sending heartfelt prayers, sharing a powerful connection to God, Jesus knew this grandma well. Small but standing tall, she engraved her loved ones to live with the same grace, courage, resilience, dignity, and love she showed. Her departure leaves a heartache no one can heal, her love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Delores is survived by her daughter, Christina (Michael) Marcus and grandsons, William and Luke.

A private ceremony to follow.

Memorials may be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W. Charleston, WV 25387.