It is with deep regret and profound sorrow that we sadly announce the passing of Deloris Starling Cruz, age 65, of Salters, SC, who departed this earthly life on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Low Country Hospice House of Summerville, South Carolina.
Funeral Services for Deloris were held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 11 AM at Union Baptist Church, 216 Union Church Rd, Salters, SC 29590. Interment followed at Rocky Ford Cemetery, Salters, SC.
Life Reflections
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Deloris, the fourth of six children, was born in Kingstree, South Carolina on January 29, 1958 to the late Deacon James Daniel and Ada Mack Starling. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two siblings, Willard Starling and Margaret Starling.
On Saturday, October 28, 2023, Deloris Starling Cruz finished her course after a lengthy illness.
At an early age Deloris accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a member of Union Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing on the junior choir.
Deloris attended the public schools of Williamsburg County and graduated with honors from C. E. Murray High School in Greeleyville, South Carolina in 1975. After graduation, Deloris went on the matriculate at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1979. It was also during her time at Benedict College that Deloris became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Upon returning home, Deloris became employed by Williamsburg County School District as a school teacher at Williamsburg-Blakely High School in Salters, South Carolina. She continued to teach in the county until she moved to Germany.
During her thirty-eight years in Germany, Deloris taught elementary school with the Department of Defense Education Activity. She was proud of her position as a teacher of young children. She was a dedicated and caring but firm teacher and her students thrived under her work with them.
Deloris time in Germany was not totally about teaching. She learned a lot about the culture of the areas where she lived but also traveled with tours to various other places, such as, Sweden, Egypt and Jerusalem. She shared her many adventures while home during summer vacations.
Deloris returned home to Salters, South Carolina in January 2021 reconnecting with her family and friends. She had plans to become active in her church and community, as well as travel but unfortunately her health did not allow this.
Deloris leaves many happy memories to her dog, Jonah; two brothers, Deacon Leon (Rosemarie) Starling and Kenneth Starling; one sister, Lachelle Johnson; three aunts, Francis Cooper, Vivian (Charles) Pierce, and Carrie Mack; a cousin, like a sister, Diane Mack Abrams; friends, Retha Mae Thompson, Gloria Matthews, and Barbara M. Gamble; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
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