Deloris James Bebley

DELORIS BEBLEY Obituary
Deloris James Bebley was born on June 21, 1934, to George Edwin James and Blanche Alberta Stewart James. The eldest of James family progeny, Deloris spent early years in Indianapolis, the city of her birth and Terre Haute/Lost Creek, Indiana with the Stewart and Waldon extended family members.
Deloris completed her education in the Indianapolis public schools. She attended Crispus Attucks High School, where she was an honor roll student.
Deloris professed a belief in Christ at The Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis, and she was baptized at a young age. Deloris enjoyed visiting many congregations amongst family and friends. In later years she participated in praise and worship through televised ministries every Sunday.
Dodie, as she was known to many, proudly stepped into a matriarchal role at a young age in her large family where although she dearly devoted to her parents, younger siblings, and nieces and nephews held her heart and love. Dodie was joined in marriage to Isaac Jacob "I.J." Bebley on July 31, 1956. Their twenty-five-year marriage was an example of adoration and commitment to vows for all to see and admire. Dodie was a devoted wife who cared for her beloved I. J. through sickness until he was called.
Deloris embarked on her employment journey at an early age. She was fashionable and enjoyed spending time in downtown Indianapolis. She worked at the Walker Theater as a cashier and at the Severin Hotel as an elevator operator. Deloris aspired to pursue a career in retail, a lasting career with L.S. Ayres & Company. Hired in 1956, she worked diligently, and she was duly promoted through the rankings. She began working in the stockroom and retired thirty-five years later as the Assistant Store Manager- Indianapolis Downtown store. At the request of her brother-in-law, Deloris channeled her energies and talents in a second career with her brother-in-law at Stuart Mortuary where she shared the business acumen and management skills she had perfected at L.S. Ayres. Deloris cultivated and maintained lasting bonds with co-workers who she accepted and connected with acquaintances from yesteryear. Deloris retired a second time at age 81 only to focus on her health and to strengthen bonds with family and friends.
Dodie relished in her role as the most integral "team leader" and superb chef in her beloved James and Bebley-Warner families. She shared in the accomplishments, milestones, and sorrows of her loved ones, offering sound advice and a listening ear. Dodie loved family reunions, gathering for holidays and making lasting memories. Dodie enjoyed traveling with a passport in hand, she journeyed abroad and cruised the seas; however, her preference was bus trips and voyages on land. Later in life Dodie enjoyed watching her favorite football team, the Indianapolis Colts, and racing sports including horse, and Indy Car on television. Dodie enjoyed life, she displayed happiness through many laughs and her beautiful smile.
Deloris James Bebley departed this earthly life Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of ninety years. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Blanche James; husband, Isaac J. Bebley; stepson, Isaac "Red"; stepson, Isaac "Red"; siblings, George James, Jr., Greta Harris, Rosetta Mills, Thomas James, and Robert James, and her beloved, Smokey.
She leaves her family of caregivers and support, sister, Ruth James; niece, Tracy (LeRoy) Jackson and nephew, Thomas James; brothers and sisters, Victor (Eleanor) James, Darrell James, Michael James, Brenda Dixon, June James, Carolyn Jackson, and Richard James, and four generations of nieces and nephews in the James and Bebley-Warner family who she so dearly loved.
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