"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Delores Raysor Smallwood was born June 27, 1947 to the parentage of Reverend Fred Raysor and Mrs. Geneva Raysor in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  She was the youngest child of eight children.

Delores graduated from Carver High School, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  She began her career at New Jersey Bell Telephone Company in Paterson, New Jersey where she was blessed to foster lifelong friendships.  She later relocated to Winston Salem, North Carolina and worked for Southern Bell for 30 years.

The Lord saved Delores in 1979 and she became a member of Grace Chapel where she served faithfully as a member and church secretary. Where they later joined Sovereign Grace Chapel.  Delores continued on as church secretary until her health began to fail.

Delores was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of her life Harvey L. Smallwood Sr. on August 19, 1966 and to this union a loving and caring son was born, Harvey Lee Smallwood Jr.

Lois/Auntie/Mimi/ Girlfriend/godmother, granny as she was fondly called, was the glue of her family.  This was an honor for her and she loved hosting family gatherings while bringing a smile to so many faces. Her smile and laughter were contagious and memorable.  Her monthly birthday celebrations with friends were also a highlight of her life. Delores etched a place in our hearts through genuine love that will never be removed.

Her hobbies included crocheting blankets that she entered in several contests, and making many for friends and family, and loved ones.  She also loved reading, studying the bible daily and completed the challenge of reading the bible from Genesis to Revelations in 1 year.  She also loved watching Hallmark movies repeatedly and would say so many times "How did I miss that scene".  Delores embodied love for all who was blessed to know her and one way she would exemplify her love is through sending greeting cards. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends.  She lived, loved, and served intentionally in every area of her life.

Delores beautifully transitioned this earthly walk of life and entered Heaven's gates on the morning of September 21, 2023.

Her legacy of faith and love will forever be cherished by her loving and devoted husband, Elder Harvey Lee Smallwood Sr.; loving son, Harvey Jr.  (Chondra) Smallwood; loving daughter, Theresa (William) Crespo; sisters, Geneva James, Essie Sturdivant, Lucille (Phillip) Clement, Louise Davidson; five granddaughters; 4 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

"To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her"

Per her request, there will be no public viewing.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens.