Delite was a joy to have as a neighbor.  Her smile and love for life lit up the world anytime we would see her.  Her and Mark shared a deep love that enriched the world and inspired anyone who knew them.  My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends but especially to her husband Mark who so devotedly took care of her the past few years.  The heavens are a little brighter and this world a little darker with her death.  We will miss you here but every memory of her is now a treasure and hopefully will bring a smile to her family and friends.  Our deepest condolences to everyone.

I was saddened to hear of Delites passing. We were classmates growing up. She was truly a wonderful woman.  I know she will be missed. Condolence to her family for their great loss. 
Glenna ( Herren ) Nelson formally of Syracuse, Kansas

When I think of Aunt Delite I see her ever present smile, her giggle, and her infectious laugh.

 Growing up as a kid, we usually took a trip to the farm in Syracuse every summer and every other Christmas.  I remember the summer trips the most, spending a few days with Grandpa and Grandma, Aunt Delite and Uncle Mick.  Saw my first R-rated movie there one summer thanks to Aunt Delite.  She would take us, Darrin and me, on a “date” with her and Mark to see a movie and that time The Reevers was showing.  

After the movie(s), we would return to the farm and watch the lightning storms off in the distance.  The best part though was “sparking” Life Savers.  If you crunch down on a peppermint or wintergreen (can’t remember which one) Life Saver with your mouth open, it would “spark”.  Darrin and I thought that was pretty cool.  At the time I thought Aunt Delite was kind of stingy with the candy, we would do a half dozen or so and then she would send us into the house.  It was a long time before she came in, so she and Mark must have had a lot more Life savers stashed.
Saw the mother bear come out in her one summer.  I was there visiting by myself for a week, and soon to be Uncle Mark took me for a ride on his Harley.  Aunt Delite knew nothing of this adventure and Mark and I tried to keep it that way.  We got off on a dirt road and Mark traded places with me and let me attempt to drive.  Long story short, it didn’t end well and I went through a barbed wire fence and he ended up on his backside in the middle of the road.  The result my meeting the fence were some nasty scratches down my side.  Mark and I agreed that this event would forever be our secrete.  As I was leaving the bathroom that night trying to sneak across the hall to the bedroom I was using, she caught me, saw the scratches and…  I don’t know what Mark went through the next day and I never want to.

Love you Aunt Delite

Your nephew, David

Dear Mark,
My heart breaks hearing about Delite's passing. Words feel inadequate to express how deeply sorry I am for your loss.

Please know that I'm here for you in whatever way you need - whether it's to talk, to share memories of her, or just to sit together in silence. Don't hesitate to reach out at any hour, for anything at all. The love you and Delite shared was truly special, and I know her memory will live on through all the lives she touched. In the difficult days ahead, please remember to be gentle with yourself.

With deepest sympathy,

Matt Hinson

OBITUARY

Delite Marie Markley

September 3, 1952 – January 9, 2025

Smith & Williams Funeral Home/Kempsville

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