Delphia DeBerry Howard Hedgepeth

ROCKY MOUNT – Delphia DeBerry Howard Hedgepeth, age 96, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.  Born in Wayne County, Michigan on March 30, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Thomas “Tom” DeBerry and Marie Winicka DeBerry.  She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Jack Howard and second husband, Leo Hedgepeth.

Delphia was a Halifax County native who was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Della, and her father, Tom, after the passing of her mother when she was just a year old. Delphia was a gifted seamstress who raised her four children on her own after losing her first husband in a tragic car accident. That legacy of strength, faith, and resilience was deeply woven into Delphia’s life. A devout Christian, she loved the Lord with all her heart and lived out her faith daily. She and Leo were dedicated members of the Good Sam Camping Club and spent many joyful years traveling. Delphia cherished her time at the beach, found peace in working in her yard with her many flowers.  She was especially proud of her azaleas.  Delphia was known for always putting others before herself. Her servant-hearted spirit, gentle strength, and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Delphia is survived by her daughters, Linda Crickmore (Jim) of Rocky Mount, Wanda DeForrest (Lisa) of Pearl River, LA, and Jackie Johnson of Rocky Mount; son, Mark Howard (Julie) of Scotland Neck; her stepsons, Ronnie Hedgepeth of Virginia and Robbie Hedgepeth (Terri) of Florida; her grandchildren, Debbie Strickland (Chuck), Crystal Davis (Kenny), Jennifer Sider (Cyril), George DeForrest (Stephanie), Jessica Slumski (Chip), Michelle Davis (Trent), Joshua Hedgepeth, Megan Hull (Eric), Ann Mosley, Christopher Steele (Sara), Tara Black (Richard), Crystal Solley (Heath) and Becky Daniels; 34 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Marie White of Scotland Neck; and two special  nieces, Brenda and Kaye.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Delphia’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, Funeral Home at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Randy Jones officiating.  Entombment will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Garden Mausoleum.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Brekenridge Retirement Center for the unwavering compassion, kindness, and attentive care shown to their beloved mother, Delphia, over the past 11 years. Your support has meant the world to our family, and we are forever thankful for the love and dignity you brought to her life.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Delphia’s memory to Nash UNC Hospice and Palliative Care, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.