Mary Ann Delano

Mary Ann Delano, 79, of Orange, passed away on July 4, 2021, in Orange.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor John Sims.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Buna, Texas, on November 20, 1941, she was the daughter of Benjamin Denman and Lillie Mae Reid Denman. Mary faithfully served her Lord and Savior at Bethel Baptist Church. She often volunteered to help with their Vacation Bible School and loved volunteering at the Soup Kitchen at 1st Presbyterian Church in Orange. Mary worked for Kay Electronics for 27 years. She was a true social butterfly, and never met a stranger. Mary was welcoming of all and had the warmest heart imaginable. She enjoyed going on vacations with her family, especially to the beach, and took great joy in a good day of shopping. Mary lived by her motto “dessert is the most important meal and should always come first”. She was loved beyond comprehension and will always be remembered for her life of service to others, and her heart that knew no bounds.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Benjamin and Lillie Denman; sister, Nandell (Berry) Jones; and brother, Bill Denman.

She is survived by her children, Sara Gibson and partner Kim McKinney of Bridge City, Sonia Ballard and husband Norman of Orange, and Jeff Delano and wife Cindy of Morrilton, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brad Ballard and wife Emily, Brandi Ballard, Cody Delano and partner Shabree, Beth Ann Cox and husband Chantz and Kendall Gibson; four great-grandchildren with one great-grandbaby on the way; and brother, Robert E. Denman and wife Barbara; along with numerous nieces, nephews and loving friends.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.