Greta Jo Delaria

Surrounded by her family, Greta Jo Delaria, 89, of Elk Park, NC, peacefully passed away on December 9, 2024, in Huntersville, NC, leaving a profound void in the hearts of her family and friends.

Born on June 18, 1935, in Elk Park, NC, Jo was the beloved daughter of the late Lynn and Rachel (Hicks) Moody. She spent her formative years in Elk Park and was a graduate of Cranberry High School. After high school she joined her sister Leona in El Paso, Texas. There she met Donald Raymond Delaria. Eager to embark on their journey together, they were soon married. Don's military career took them across the United States and abroad, with cherished memories made in El Paso and Beaumont, Texas, and abroad in Germany and Italy. After Don's retirement from the Army in 1968, they returned to Elk Park, where they lovingly raised their four children.

Family was the cornerstone of Jo's life. As a devoted mother, she provided unwavering love and support, creating a nurturing environment for her children. Her greatest joy came from being a grandmother to her four grandchildren, whom she adored. Known affectionately as Mama Jo, she was a constant presence at their life events, celebrating every milestone, big or small.

Jo's love extended beyond her family to her church and community. A lifelong member of the Elk Park Christian Church, she was passionate about serving others and giving back. Throughout her years at the church, she embraced various roles, particularly enjoying her time working with the youth and mentoring young adults. For approximately 12 years, she worked as a social worker with the Head Start Program, impacting the lives of countless children and families.

Jo will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering love for family and friends, and her deep Christian faith. Her presence will be missed every day, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her siblings: Bud Moody (Hazel), Tom Moody, LC Moody, Leona Wingate (Sherwood), Frieda Jean Cleveland (Virgil Ray), and Patricia Lee; her sons, Gary Douglas Delaria and Michael Delaria; and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Delaria. Jo is survived by her beloved Charles Eller, her brother-in-law, Gerald Lee, her children, Donald Delaria, Jr. and Sherry Delaria Malia; her daughter-in-law, Deborah Cullom (Ralph), her grandchildren, Don Michael Delaria, Donald Delaria, III (Anna), Samuel Delaria, and Claire Leenknecht (Tanner); her great-granddaughter, Emma Delaria; and many beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom will cherish the love she brought into their lives.

Visitation was held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, followed by a Celebration of Life service beginning at 3 p.m. at Elk Park Christian Church. The Reverends Marvin Elliott and Palma Bennett officiated. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the ladies' group at Elk Park Christian Church, P.O. Box 158, Elk Park, NC 28622, would be greatly appreciated.