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Delois Huntley Obituary
After the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ruled segregated schools unconstitutional, the NAACP sought out black families willing to send their children to white classrooms. Huntley's family lived in the all-black Brooklyn neighborhood, just three blocks from Alexander Graham, which was then on Morehead Street.
Huntley, a 12-year-old seventh grader at the time, told the Observer decades later she was encouraged by her parents, who "realized it was for the greater good. Somebody had to go first."
Huntley's first days were less controversial than those of Dorothy Counts at Harding High. Perhaps because of that, less has been written about her, and she's lived a relatively quiet life.
Still, white kids bumped her in the hallways, or spat at her. She told the Observer that one boy wiped sweat from his brow into her face, and others whispered nasty things at her. She remembers her father fielding threatening phone calls, sitting up all night to keep watch, then heading off to work with scarcely any sleep.
When the school term ended, so did Huntley's time at Alexander Graham. The building was torn down in 1958, and the school moved to Myers Park.
Huntley went to all-black Second Ward High, where she sang in the chorus, joined the cheerleading squad and graduated in 1963. Then she studied at N.C. Central and Johnson C. Smith universities before career and family beckoned.
In 2008, Huntley received the Old North State Award from Gov. Mike Easley and had been outspoken about school integration for decades.
"I don't want to see us go back to segregated schools," she told the Observer in 2007. "The only way we're going to progress as a people - not just black people but black and white - is that we involve ourselves with each other."
-- Cleve Wootson, The Charlotte Observer
Memories and Condolences
for Delois Huntley
90 Entries
James Earl Yarrell
May 18, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Marie Bittle
May 18, 2015
His Eyes are on The Sparrow and I know God watches over you Deloris. LoLo when I loss my husband you were there with encouraging words and advice for the family matters as well. I Thank you for being the Loving person you are. You will truly be missed. With Love my sister in Christ...
Kent Tolliver
May 15, 2015
RIP Lolo
Shani Lineberger
May 15, 2015
You will truly be missed. You helped me in my time of need. God send indeed. I will never forget your prayer to me and for me. You are truly a golden woman of style and grace. Rest In Heaven Ms. Delois.
Mary Kennedy(Love)
May 15, 2015
Delois Huntley, a pioneer, a godly woman, an intelligient and stylish woman. She used her voice and her abilities to advance the kingdom of God. Although, I was not under her guidance as a choir participant but some of my sisters were blessed with the opportunity. I fondly remember when Delois and I shared the pulpit on an occasion as speakers for youth day at our church.. She was the speaker for the early service and I was he speaker for the ten thirty service. It was one of many memorable occasions for both of us, back in 1981. God has picked another angel to further advance his kingdom at his feet. To the family, God has her, you hold onto memories.
May 15, 2015
She was a soldier in the army in every sense. Delois was an active member in her church for many years. Her singing lit up the church and worship on numerous occasions. A stylish and educated godly woman. We will miss her presence but God has her sitting in his corner now! My deepest sympathy, Mary Kennedy(Love)
Christin Cherry
May 15, 2015
I am very saddened to hear of your passing. Although I was not here on earth when you helped to pave a way for myself and many other African-Americans, I want to say Thank You! I have very fond memories of you and my grandmother Kathleen Cherry singing on the choir at St. Paul Baptist Church and countless choir rehearsals every Thursday night with Donald Chisholm. You were a valued member of the community on so many levels. You will be missed greatly by so many people. i send my condolences to your family and closest friends!
~Christin Cherry and The Cherry Family
Calcine Harris and Family
May 15, 2015
Leonard and Family,
My heart is sadden to learn of Delois' Homegoing. I can remember the happy times we shared together while I lived in Charlotte and will always remember her singing, kind and gentle spirit, and most of all, the LOVE she shared.
We realize that our journey in this life is limited and the frailty of our existence has a due course. However, we do know that our belief and faith in God provides us with strength for each day and hope for a brighter tomorrow. Her faith and belief in God, along with the many commitments were always at the highest of standards. I cannot feel or imagine your pain but I do hope you know I deeply and sincerely share your loss.
I pray for God's comfort to you and His divine intercession in your healing in the days to come.
James Williams
May 15, 2015
I can not express in words the great impact Delo had on me during the time we worked together. She was truly a beautiful person in all ways.
I take comfort in the words of a song she introduced me to and I loved to hear her sing it.
"Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish,
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heav'n cannot heal.
DAISY MCNEILL
May 15, 2015
DELOIS YOU WERE AN EXAMPLE OF A CLASSIS LADY WITH PROUD.
LATRINA TRAPP
May 15, 2015
Many years later, I can still see her beautiful smile and spirit, hear her encouraging words to me during the 90's as we worked together at CMUD. My deepest condolences to the Family and Friends. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.
Phyliss Caldwell
May 15, 2015
For Janet and Victoria, I am keeping you and your family in fervent prayer. Blessings be upon you always.
James Rogers
May 15, 2015
Leonard,
I'm sure you know how special your mother is. I am eternally grateful to God for being able to serve with her at St. Paul with the P. W. Drummond (Children/Youth) Choir watching her teach, direct and inspire the choir members helping to form them as talented and responsible adults.
I can still hear her sing "God Specializes" back in the late 70's. I was honored to sing a duet with her, Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway's version of "Come Ye Disconsolate" as requested by Donald Chisholm when Scotty Hendricks was not available. Dr. Drummond would often request her to sing.
She also made me feel special in that she would often call on me to help with printing and artwork for special programs and displays at our beloved St. Paul.
My last memory of her was at the St. Paul founding anniversary when she made sure I got to see you and your family of whom she dearly loves and is proud of.
It was also inspiring to see how her parents, Deacon and Mrs. Huntley, her brothers and sisters adored her. She will be missed, but please let God comfort and guide you in the days to come.
I also lost my dear mother this year. I will never get over my loss of her, but with God's help I will get through it. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Rockwell A.M.E. Zion Church Family Rev. Jordan B. Boyd, Pastor
May 15, 2015
When your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help you find your smile. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rose Talbert
May 15, 2015
Thanks for paving the way for students like me and others to get a fair education my condolences to your Family
Anton Clark
May 14, 2015
Leonard, to you and your family. May he that is able comfort you, and if you need anything, I'm here.
Jimmy & Dixie Redic
May 14, 2015
To The family of Delois Huntley, may you find comfort and joy in the memories you will forever hold in your hearts and mind....Delois you were a Jewel
diana kirkpatrick
May 14, 2015
May God keep his loving arms of protection around this family
John G. O'Connell, III
May 14, 2015
My Sincerest condolences to the Family of Delois Huntley, one of the many great fighters for the American Civil Rights as guaranteed in the Constitution, but many had to put in the good fight so We all would advance for this to be a Great Nation of many, now resting in the Peace of God. Lived in Charlotte those many years.
Frankie Davis
May 14, 2015
I remember as a young girl how lolo would sing so beautiful.We all would just listen and I would copy and try to sound like her...In my adult life, she has been my idol...I will miss her dearly..
Vida Firms
May 14, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Rita Miller
May 14, 2015
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept my condolences, she will not be forgotten.
Tymika (Bittle) Gaither
May 14, 2015
Delois Huntley, You were a big part of the PW Drummond choir and Youth Choir. Without you, the choir would not have become who we were. I always wondered how you were able to remember all the songs and direct at the same time the way you did. God had a special job for you to do on this earth, directing the PW Drummond choir and Youth Choir and you did it well. You touched my heart as a person and a director in a way that l will never forget. I will truly, truly miss you.
Natalie Mobley
May 14, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May 14, 2015
To the family of Ms. Delois Huntley: I will always remember Ms. Huntley as one of the nicest,intellectual and classiest women I have ever know. She will be missed by many. Love, Merci Rice Lewis
May 14, 2015
To the family- May you be comforted by the peace of God during this most challenging time and in the years to come.
Mr.andMrs.Craig Robinson
May 14, 2015
Rest in Paradise.LoLo Gone But Never Forgotten.
Paula Gardin
May 14, 2015
To Leonard and the Huntley family, all of you are in my prayers. The loss of "Mom" is so great, but God will see us through this. She was my friend and mother at the same time. To me, she was a woman of grace, short in statue but walked tall in God. Mom was a classy lady with a smile that could/would light up any room. Her life touched the lives of so many in a very positive way. She left an imprint in my life that I will never forget. Below are just a few words I'm using to describe who Mom was to me. She was..
D Dedicated
E Extraordinary
L Lovable
O Observant
I Intelligent
S Sweet
H Honest
U Understanding
N Nice
T Talented
L Leader
E Elegant
Y Young and full of life always!
Love always,
Paula R. Gardin
Donna, Juwan & Dorothy Olivia Shands
May 14, 2015
Ms. D, you enquired about the "LIGHT" but GOD had another assignment in mind for you! Family, WE will be reunited again. Blessing to EACH of YOU!
DONNA CRAWFORD-SHANDS, PM Rosa M. Morris #650 O.E.S., PHA
May 14, 2015
I know that Delois was a woman of destiny & purpose. She lived a life of integrity. To everything there is a purpos & a season. Delois left when her season on earth had ended! She will be greatly missed! To the Family of Delois, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal! Keep the faith so that you can see her again!! I will keep you all in my Prayers!
Margarett Young
Harlan and Lynn Dula
May 14, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Leonard Miller Jr & Family as you go through. We know that God has welcomed your mother into His Arms. May He give you peace & comfort.
ruth reid
May 14, 2015
TO GOD BE THE GLORY HE KNOWS THE HOLD STORY.FAMILY TRUST GOD AND HE WILL SEE YOU THROUGH.I AM PRAYING FOR YOU CLASS OF 1962.RUTH REID
Tim Grier
May 13, 2015
Eloquence,elegant,sophisticated,insightful, intelligence, humble,kind, generous,and impactful woman. She touched my life as a child, teen, and even as Man. Because of her influence...I am who I am. Will be missed!
Karyn Petty-Galloway
May 13, 2015
LoLo was the epitome of style and grace. She will be greatly missed, may her legacy live on through Leonard Jr and Trey. It was an honor to have known her.To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.
tiffany Bynum Mack
May 13, 2015
Still seem unreal that mama Lolo has left us, such a beautiful woman always. She took me in as her child from day 1, she put me the choir at St paul and she always had an open door policy for y to talk to her about anything. Anytime day or night she would answer the phone if u call or she would be there. Lolo has stood by me thru so much and I'm so thankful for having her in my life and Leonard as a big brother. RIH mama and u will truly be missed. My heart hurts deeply but u are in a better place and if we live by what u have taught alot of us, we will see u again. Love u Mama
May 13, 2015
To the Huntley Family; May God give you comfort in this your time of sorrow.God is with you. Cathy Sloan & Woods Families
Ted springs
May 13, 2015
Wow my friend forever. You will be missed.
Kimyatta Sullivan
May 13, 2015
Huntley family, my heart is deeply saddened for your loss. My heart is heavy for we have lost a wonderful angel. Rest in Paradise Lolo.
Barbara & Kim Ratliff
May 13, 2015
Debbie & Family,
Extending our sympathy to you and your family. May God continue to bless and keep you in his care.
Phyllis Taft Price
May 13, 2015
Huntley Family: May you find comfort in the bosom of our Heavenly Father. Delois', with her melodious voice, is now singing in the Heavenly Choir.
Becky Nelson
May 13, 2015
Delo was always a lady! The family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Stefan Costner
May 13, 2015
I'll always remember you Auntie LoLo.
Bettie Hayes
May 13, 2015
May God bless your family In this time of your dear departed love one. My prayers are with you.
Harvey Boyd
May 13, 2015
THANKS...
Tim Grier
May 12, 2015
Eloquence,elegant,sophisticated,insightful, intelligence, humble,kind, generous,and impactful woman. She touched my life as a child, teen, and even as Man. Because of her influence...I am who I am. Will be missed!
Mary Thomas
May 12, 2015
To the Huntley Family. To be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord. I feel that is where she is, joyfully singing. She was a blessing to St. Paul and inspired me in her purpose and the duties she filled here on this earth. RIP Deacon Huntley. Well Done Servant of God.
Becky Frazier
May 12, 2015
so sorry to hear about Delois passing. We were on the youth choir together at St. Paul.
Her voice was awesome. Will keep the family in prayer. Becky
Cheryl Winchester
May 12, 2015
Sorry for your loss
Mildred Wilks Audrey
May 12, 2015
Praise God for Deloise service here on earth to mankind. Let her light so shine as we remember her when she praise God with her voice. May God continue to send comfort to her family.
Mildred Wilks Audrey
May 12, 2015
Huntley Family look to God and He will send each of you the comfort that you need during this period of your life. Just remember her smile and voice singing praises to God.
May 12, 2015
DeLois was indeed a dear friend. We worked together at our precinct on Election Days. I remenber her patience as she taught me how to check in the voters with my many questions. She was a beautiful lady...inside and out. To the family I pray for God's peace and comfort as you grieve the loss of this dear sweet lady. Cherish your memories of her and know that she is in the presence of our Lord and Savior.
Anita Hargett
Charlotte, North Carolina
Tina Alexander Norman
May 12, 2015
I will "Always " keep you in my heart. I will miss your voice and smile Mama LoLo. My heart and prayers go out to the Huntley family.
Mary Howard Higgins
May 12, 2015
sincere condolences to the Huntely family. LOLO and I lived in Brooklyn and graduated from Second Ward High School. What a beautiful smile and lovely voice. You will be missed but never forgotten LOLO RIP
Catrina Worthy-Feaster
May 12, 2015
To the Huntley Family, No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. But take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord. My deepest condolences.
Cassandra Tate
May 12, 2015
Dee was poised, elegant, a real lady,
but most of all she was a wonderful friend. I will miss the laughter, the fun,and the conversations we shared. To Lenoard and family, take comfort in knowing she is in a better place.
Love you all!
Cassandra Tate
Luwania Canty
May 12, 2015
What a Strong Black Woman !!!!. I always called her Ms. Diva. Breaks my heart to know that she has left but will never be forgotten. RIP . Love Luwania Canty(LuLu)
Gwen Banner
May 12, 2015
I will miss her beautiful smile and laugh. She was like a mother to me. My heart goes out to the family. She was a jewel!!
Melinda Stevenson
May 12, 2015
Thank you for paving the way for others.
Beverly Hunter Jones
May 12, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Charlette Kirkland
May 12, 2015
To the Huntley Family, she was like a mother to me and my brother she will be truly missed especially at church. RIP From the Kirkland Family.
Barbara H. Oden
May 12, 2015
I will miss your beautiful smile, soft speaking voice and the most powerful singing voice. I love you Aunt Lolo
Barbara H.Oden
Constance Dawnelle Horton
May 12, 2015
My syy and prayers go out to the Huntly and Miller family. I met Delois at NC Central and ran into her again when I moved to Charlotte and joined ST Paul Baptist Church. It was such a delight to hear her sing with her beautiful voice. She will be missed.
Sheila Williams-Cummings
May 12, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of LoLo's passing. You all have my deepest sympathy.
Henrietta. D. Howey
May 12, 2015
Sorry to hear of Delore's passing.It was a pleasure to have known her.
Bro. Tommie L. Campbell
May 12, 2015
Heartfelt Sympathy to the Huntley Family: Truly Ms. Huntley was a trailblazer in her own right; nothing that she could not tackle. "Rest In Peace" Sister Huntley and if we live right we will see you on the other shore.
Pat Wimer
May 11, 2015
Delois was a dear friend. We worked together at our precinct for many years. I will miss her very much.She loved the Lord Jesus and she is with Him now. Praying for the family. I rejoice with her that she is in the presence of the LORD but sorrow with the family for the loss of her presence here. God Bless you her family and give you His comfort.She and my youngest granddaughter just clicked and enjoyed being together.
charlene hicks-whitakers
May 11, 2015
During my youth at saint paul,MS.DELOIS was in charge of the youth usher board and she taught me so much,skills i use today as an adult.R.I.P. SWEET LADY
Elson Baldwin
May 11, 2015
Delois Huntley's passing is such a great loss to Saint Paul, the City of Charlotte and the State of North Carolina. However, her impact on the lives of people will live on. I vividly recall the first church service I played for after being employed as Organist at the Saint Paul Baptist Church in 1992, featured Delois Huntley singing one of her many signature solos..."Always"...her broad, rich contralto voice would leave the congregation spell-bound with her unique style and musical interpretation. RIP "LoLo"
Rev. Ardelia Huntley-Wilson
May 11, 2015
To my family,we have lost a shining star that will forever shin in our lives. Delories was my cousin friend and mentor. I always the spiritual life she live and sharde with others. Lo Lo I know your spirit will contunue to be with me. As I preached my Initial Sermon at St. Paul you were the family spokeperson in behalf of the Huntley family. My deepest sympathy to you son, Sister and brothers. May God bless each of you in your breavement.
May 11, 2015
I am so grateful for the place she has made in history. I hope to meet her in Paradise.
Demetric Smith
May 11, 2015
THANKS for paving the way so that we as Afro American children could get a fair chance on education.
Dorothy Counts-Scoggins
May 11, 2015
To the Family of Delores Huntley,
I am deeply saddened by the lost of Delores. I am one of the four that attempted to integrate our school system with her in 1957 and met her personally in 2007 when we both were honored by our Governor. She too, was courageous in her attempts and I wanted to personally acknowledge her efforts. May you receive comfort during this time as you remember her heroic efforts. R.I.P Delores
Matt Hoyle
May 11, 2015
A kind and compassionate woman who went out of her way to help others in need. My deepest sympathies go out to her family and friends.
Irene Tyson
May 11, 2015
To the Family of Delois Huntley:
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Delois. She was my classmate at Second Ward H.S. here in Charlotte. She was a couple of grades ahead of me, but she stood out to me because of the way she carried herself. She was the perfect role model. Like myself, Delois was a musician and could sing like a mockingbird. She was also very smart and so ladylike and intelligent. I had the utmost respect for her. She will truly be missed and remembered for the beautiful person that she was. R.I.P. Deloris!
Irene Gassaway Tyson
May 11, 2015
Sincere condolences to the family. May the God who gives comfort be with the family during this difficult time. 2 Cor 1:3
Shawn Downs
May 11, 2015
The embodiment of class, compassion, and grace. She left with us some very cherished moments and we are better people for having been gifted her presence even if for this brief time.
michelle mcilwain
May 11, 2015
you will be greatly miss with that beautiful smile. i was glad to know you
S Diane Morrow-Daniels
May 11, 2015
Delois Huntley will truly be missed. She was a great comfort when I lost my mom. My prayers are with you and your family.
June Leath
May 11, 2015
Such a beautiful person with a voice to match. God has truly taken an angel with a voice for his choir. Will truly be missed.
Elnathan Davis
May 11, 2015
It was good to hear of a person that live with the view that God has for all mankind. Romans 2:11 states that "With God there is no partiality." Delois believed that and lived that and may her example be an inspiration to all of us.
Margaret Goodson
May 11, 2015
A beautiful lady that was loved and will be highly missed by many people we love and will miss you Ms.Delo, but we know God has received another Angel in heaven..
Antoinette Dixon
May 11, 2015
Delois was a very gifted person and shared her talents with many. Her determination and dedication to her profession, family,and spiritual life will truly be missed. I pray that we who love her will find peace, comfort, and restfulness knowing that she is in the presence of our Lord. She shall wear a crown!
meranda reed
May 11, 2015
To the Huntley Family. I do not know Ms. Delois, but as for what i have heard and read about her she was a great lady and if i could have met her i would say THANK YOU for opening up doors for us black people. Ms. Huntley you may be gone in flesh but you will always be here in spirit. Take your rest and fly high in the sky.
Harold Deese
May 11, 2015
Delois Huntley, was a wonderful human being. She had many friends of all races, She was kind, caring, compassionate and possessed tolerance only few truly have. She lived by her quote "The only way we're going to progress as a people - not just black people but black and white - is that we involve ourselves with each other. Delo' did exactly that, and by doing so made the world a much better place for all of us. Rest in peace Delo.
Toni Wilburn Bostick
May 11, 2015
Missing you.
May 11, 2015
Aunt Lo I am missing you! So thankful that you were a part of my life. You ran a good race, you were faithful till the end.....you earned your crown!
Toni Wilburn
(Lucy)
May 11, 2015
We are saddened to hear about the loss of a pioneer in Civil Rights. We pray that the Huntley Family can find peace and joy as you reflect on the memories shared together. We look forward to the day when all will be united without sickness and pain. -Acts 10:34, 35
Willie Johnson
May 11, 2015
The angels in heaven have a new voice. I had the pleasure of knowing you beginning in elementary school. Your warm smile and magnificent voice will be missed. You will always be in my thoughts R.I.P
Fannie Watermann
May 11, 2015
Delois will be missed.
Her courage counted.
Reed Atkinson
May 11, 2015
Delois will be missed. I always found her to be a lady in every since of the word. She was always a joy to be around.
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