Delphine Claudette "Del" Williamson

Delphine Claudette (Purcell) Williamson, affectionately known as "Del," passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026. Born on September 22, 1960, Delphine lived a life anchored in faith, education, leadership, service, and joy. She was a devoted wife, mother, educator, foster parent, community leader, and servant of God whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

A woman of deep faith, Delphine was baptized at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Larry Robinson where she was a member for decades and later became a proud member of United Methodist Church of Palm Coast under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Kevin James. She attended services faithfully-both in person and virtually-until her health began to fail. Her relationship with God guided her life, her decisions, and her service to others.

Delphine was a proud graduate of Mainland High School, Class of 1978, where she was a majorette, played the clarinet, and demonstrated early leadership and school pride. She later served as President of the Class of '78 Reunion Committee, ensuring classmates remained connected across the years.

She continued her education at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Communications. While at Bethune-Cookman, she was also a majorette and clarinetist, further reflecting her love of music, discipline, and performance. Delphine later earned her Master's Degree in Educational Leadershipfrom Nova Southeastern University. A National Board Certified Teacher, she was a highly respected and decorated educator in English Studies.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Leila Olivia Purcell, a well-renowned educator, Delphine devoted more than 30 years to shaping young minds. She taught English at Flagler Palm Coast High School and also served as an instructor at Daytona Beach State College, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on countless students through her passion, structure, and commitment to excellence.

Beyond education, Delphine was a woman of vision and enterprise. She obtained her real estate license and became a successful realtor, using her knowledge and business acumen to build a diverse real estate portfolio with the intention of establishing generational wealth for her family.

Alongside her husband, Cleveland "Cleve" Williamson, Sr., Delphine shared a deep passion for children and served as a foster parent for over a decade, opening their home and hearts to many children in need.

Delphine believed in caring for the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. She loved health and fitness, enjoyed reading, and had a passion for the outdoors. In her younger days, she enjoyed riding motorcycles and embraced adventure with confidence and joy. Delphine truly loved to have a good time and was known for her infectious laugh, love of line dancing, and ability to bring warmth, laughter, and energy into any room.

After her retirement, Delphine remained deeply engaged in her community, continuing a lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and connection. She proudly served as President of her Senior Oasis Community Group in Daytona Beach and volunteered at the Daytona Beach International Airport, where her warmth, kindness, and welcoming spirit left a lasting impression on all she encountered.

Two years after retiring, Delphine and her husband relocated to Brandywine, Maryland, to be closer to their only son, Cleveland Cory Williamson, Jr., a proud graduate of Florida A&M University and a tenured healthcare executive with Johns Hopkins Health System. Delphine and her son shared an exceptionally close bond and were often affectionately referred to as "twins" because of their striking resemblance and deep connection.

During her time in Maryland, Delphine quickly embraced her new community, forming meaningful friendships and gaining a host of extended family members who came to love her dearly.

Delphine was preceded in death by her mother Leila Olivia Purcell; father Earl Griggs; sister Angela Purcell; and stepchildren Lashawn Williams and Angela Williamson-Wiley.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Cleveland "Cleve" Williamson, Sr.; her beloved son, Cleveland Cory Williamson (Jay) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; sister Charrisa Griggs-Slappy (James) of Daytona Beach, Florida; brother Earl Griggs, Jr. (Terry) of Tallahassee, Florida; three sisters- in-law Ruth Wilson, Peggy Turner (Ira), Patricia Williamson-Williams (James), two brothers-in-law Percy Williamson (Carmen), Frank Williamson (Daytona Beach, Florida), and her adored great-niece Alana Thompson (Las Vegas, Nevada), whom she loved as a grandchild; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, classmates, and friends.

Delphine's life was a beautiful testimony to faith, leadership, education, service, joy, and generational vision. Though she has transitioned from this life, her laughter, lessons, love, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.