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Obituary for Delores Gurganus Leary
Delores Gurganus Leary, born March 7, 1934, peacefully met her Savior on January 16, 2021.
Delores, an only child, was a long awaited blessing for her parents Waverly Joe Gray Gurganus and Nellie Rogers Gurganus. Born and raised in Plymouth, North Carolina, she met the love of her life, Pearly Jackson "Jack" Leary, Sr. The two married on June 9, 1952. Jack's job and health issues often forced them to endure distance and time away from one another. A romantic at heart, Jack would send Delores postcards confessing his love for her, declaring how much he missed her, and signing off with the affectionate reminder that each postcard was S.W.A.K. (Sealed With a Kiss).
She endured loss and heartache in life, but never doubted the faithfulness of God. Her ministry of love was displayed by visiting long-term care communities and others regularly. A charter member of Grace Baptist Church, she often saved the weekly bulletins and would use them as her stationary to send notes about the week's happening or share a newfound quote. She was the best possible pen pal!
Delores, affectionately known as Grandmama, Grandma, GD or Folores, was quiet but don't let that fool you, her mind was busy and her opinions formed.
To honor her memory, we invite you to enjoy a cup of coffee today! Her love for coffee ran deeply, and we are pretty sure her veins were filled with it.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, and her sons, Russell Leary and Kenny Leary. Left to cherish her memory are her sons Jack Leary and wife, Ocenia of Washington, NC, and Barry Leary and wife, Pam of Clayton, NC; Grandchildren, Kristi Marie Leary (Woolard) of Greenville, NC, Judith Ann Leary of Euclid, OH, Natalie Leary of Raleigh, NC, and Brian Leary and wife Alexia of Clayton, NC; Great grandchildren Emory and Elody Leary.
In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to Grace Baptist Church. Please mail donations to Grace Baptist Church, PO Box 306, Plymouth, NC 27962.
Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Windley Cemetery in Plymouth, NC. Family will receive friends at the graveside following the service.
Arrangements are by Maitland Funeral Home, Plymouth.
