Ms. Deloris Smalls

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but to all those who love his appearing.

Ms. Deloris Smalls, 66, of Columbia, South Carolina entered into eternal life to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 23, 2023 after fighting a courageous battle of sickness. She was surrounded by her loving children, grandchildren and family. Deloris’ unabating faith in the Lord gave her the strength to face adversity with grace, particularly during her time of illness. We thank God for the life that she lived, and the time she shared with us. She passed down her loving kindness, and faithfulness, and it is with these attributes and many more that will strengthen and encourage us all in the days ahead. Our lives have truly been enriched because of her love, selfless ways and her giving spirit. God blessed her with sixty-six (66) years of life, and she lived it to the Glory of God, to the benefit of her family and as a friend to countless numbers of people. She will be sorely missed but forever loved.

Deloris was born on February 24, 1957 in Bamberg County, South Carolina the daughter of the late Mr. Charlie Smalls and Mrs. Ella Mae Grant Smalls. Deloris gave her life to God at an early age and became a member of the Friendship United Methodist Church in Islandton, South Carolina where she remained a dedicated member until her demise. She served many ministries faithfully. She was the PPRC (Pastor Parish Relations Committee) Chair for many years. She served as a United Methodist Woman, and completed all the necessary requirements and became a certified Lay Speaker. She also volunteered in various ministry areas when needed.

Deloris was educated in the public schools of Bamberg County. She was a proud 1975 graduate of Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School. She attended Denmark Technical College in Denmark, South Carolina. She also completed further courses in business management. Deloris worked for Sunbeam Company in Denmark, South Carolina for many years. In 1979 she ventured on a new career path, she worked and climbed the corporate ladder while employed at Hardee’s (Boddie Noel Company). She was appointed as the general manager of Hardees in Barnwell, South Carolina. This position afforded her much travel, many trainings, and numerous certifications. She was bestowed many awards and accolades during her career of over sixteen years with the company. She retired in the year of 1995.

Deloris was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ella Mae Smalls; her brother, Ronald Smalls; two sisters, Daisy S. Breland and Oretta S. Moorer. She also was preceded in death by two nephews, Alphonso Smalls and DeAndre Odom, and her niece, Charda Smalls. Deloris was a staunch believer in family. She loved her family and did everything she could to ensure that EVERY family member was well taken care of. Along with other siblings, she established the Smalls Family Reunion over twenty-seven years ago and served as Chair. She made certain that the family was united yearly for a reunion, having traveled to many states nourishing the family motto of Stay Calm, Be Strong, I’m a Smalls! Each year the family traveled with one hundred or more immediate family members who were all descendants of her parents, Charlie and Ella Mae Smalls. The family is comprised of over four generations to include sixteen children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Deloris had a significant relationships with EVERY family member, even the babies. She loved her siblings with all of her heart and soul. They were all closely connected to each other and they truly lived by the saying, if one hurts, all hurts; if one rejoices all rejoices. The bond that they have as siblings is unbreakable, even unto death. 

Deloris was a LOVING, FAITHFUL, SELFLESS, and STRONG virtuous woman. She had a passion for many things. Her virtue was continuous, and never waivered. Of all the things she upheld, she definitely was an amazing Mother and an even more superb Grandmother (GG). There will never be enough words to describe how important being a Mother and a Grandmother was to her, and what a powerful influence she will continue to be. The legacy that she leaves to her children, grandchildren, and to every family member and dear friend was seen daily in her works, her testimonies, and the reflection of Christ in their lives long after her earthly work is done.

Her rich legacy of faith, family and friends will remain embedded in the hearts of her loving and devoted children, Latoya (Tracy) Miller of Lithonia, Georgia, Terex (Jerrolyn) Smalls of Summerville, South Carolina and Diondra (Patrick II) Black of Columbia, South Carolina; a special daughter, Melika (Pastor Rubin W.) Jackson of Norway, South Carolina; eight grandchildren who she adored, Donald Montgomery, Malcolm (Latoya) Montgomery, Laura Montgomery, Joshua Smalls, Alaina Miller, Elisha Smalls, Nicholas Miller and Patrick Black III; four great grandchildren; two loving brothers, Robert Smalls of Brooklyn, New York, and Charles Smalls of Columbia, South Carolina; ten devoted sisters, Clara (Hugo) Crosby of Ruffin, South Carolina, Francina (Johnnie) Dukes of Columbia, South Carolina, Loretta Smalls of Norway, South Carolina, Barbara (Larry) Walker, Mary Ackerman, and Glenda Greene all of Ehrhardt, South Carolina, Marilyn Murdaugh of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Justine (Frankie) Clinton of Elloree, South Carolina, Elder Linda (Bernard) Holman of Denmark, South Carolina, and Rev. Doreen Smalls of Cordele, Georgia; companion, Richard Myers; one brother in law, Willie Moorer; one sister in law, Bertha Smalls; Goddaughter, Adeija K. Slater and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates and friends.

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