Delores J. Wylie, Ph.D., affectionately known as “Dr. D,” passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, in King, North Carolina. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she was the beloved daughter of Lillian Eskew Tyson and Ernest Carlock.

A devoted mother, educator, social worker, and community leader, Dr. Wylie dedicated more than 50 years to uplifting families, advancing civil rights, and strengthening the communities she served. Her life was marked by kindness, humor, generosity, faith, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

She found joy in African culture, dance, literature, travel, sewing, Praise and music as a member of First Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Her leadership touched many institutions, including the Winston-Salem Urban League and the Warren–Trumbull County Urban League. She proudly served as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and taught African Studies at Youngstown State University, Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem State University, Carter G. Woodson School, and Quality Education Academy.

Dr. Wylie is survived by her children, Michael Smith and Olufemi Elom; her stepdaughter, Tonya Wylie; grandchildren, Michael II, Sean, and Johan; great-granddaughter, Nadiya; her sisters, Ernestine Carlock and Crystal Little (daughter of Lillian Eskew Tyson) including a host of loving family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Merle Wylie; her mother and father, Brother Butch Bargainer and Sister Mary Halfacre.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, October 8, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 12:30pm until 1:00pm on Thursday at the Chapel.