Jennie Delle Oates Ormand

The one single word that best describes the life of Jennie Delle Oates Ormand is "family." She was born into a close-knit family who were instrumental parts of their community. She was the baby of the family and as often happens her dad spoiled her, and her mother sheltered her. She would admit that she was a "Daddy's Girl" and that she knew all the tricks. Her two older sisters and brother were busy living their lives. That created lots of stories, drama, and love that a typical southern family experienced. Born in 1929 she experienced an incredible segment of history. As a child of the depression living on a farm 1929 meant some demanding work but always a full table. World War II would lead to her older brother leaving the farm and starting a new life in his new wife's home in Pennsylvania. While he eventually lived up North, he was never far from the family's thoughts. Her sisters would chart paths that would result in a professional educational career for one and a homemaker for the other but later in life all three would make their homes side by side on family land. The road that fronts all three of their homes bears the family name.
Fate acted when two families similar in a lot of ways joined in the marriage of Jennie Delle and John Ormand. From high school into adulthood, they were never far apart. The Presbyterian Church would be an artery that united the Ormand and Oates clans. Both families were founders of first Long Creek Presbyterian Church over 200 years ago and then its spin off congregation Pisgah ARP. The Ormand's provided the land that today houses the Long Creek Presbyterian Church and Cemetery. 1760 marked the Battle of Kings Mountain, fought less than 10 miles from the crossroads that became Long Creek Presbyterian Church and the Church's formation that same year. John Ormand was a direct descendant of men who joined to bring their religion to land that was a part of a grant to the family by the King of England. Ironically, a disagreement over the order of worship and how to praise the lord with song would lead to a new congregation to form known as Pisgah Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Oates is a name that was a part of the start of Pisgah in 1796. Religion has always been important to these two families. John and Jennie Delle both loved Pisgah and became leaders in the church. John would become an Eider Emeritus and Jennie Delle is best known for preparing the communion bread for the church for over 50 years. She literally "beat the Devil" out of that bread several times each year. They loved their church, and it has loved them.
Family has been the most important part of Jennie Delle's life since birth. She has gone from the baby of the family to the matriarch. It is impossible to adequately describe the love that has grown for her from not only her immediate family but friends, most of whom she is the last living member of her generation. That love will not end with Jennie Delle but will pass on to the next generation and become a part of the future forever.
Jennie Delle was born Jennie Delle Oates on July 2, 1929. She was born in Gaston County and lived there her entire life. Her Mother was Nelle Ruth Garren Oates (1898-1968). Her Father was William Roy Oates (1891-1968). She had three siblings. Her brother William Garren Oates (1920-1982). Her sisters Alyce Ruth Oates Spencer Hunt (1921-2015) and Janie Lucille Oates Black (1923-1990).
During the Depression Years Jennie Delle was the youngest child on the family- farm. She grew up in the house that she would call home her entire life. She attended elementary school at Myrtle School in Gastonia and then in Bessemer City. She graduated from Bessemer City High School in 1945. It was during her high school years that she would fall for her life's love John Abel Ormand, Jr. They were married in 1950 at Pisgah ARP Church. John and Jennie made their home at the Oates family home. John died in 2017. For 67 years they were inseparable. They enjoyed their vacation home on Lake Wylie. In their later years they enjoyed camping with close friends.
Their family grew and became complete when Beth was born in 1951 and Lou a few years later in 1956. The daughters provided Jennie Delle with the opportunity to become a Girl Scout leader for girls all over the area. She and John would become Sunday School teachers and build a home where the love of God and Church was a foundation.
Jennie Delle was well known in the community as a wonderful cook. She never failed to serve family favorites and even cooked wild game that John brought home... from cooter to bear.
The loss of two especially important parts of her life, first Ruth in 2015 and then John in 2017 were hurdles that Jennie could never overcome these shocks triggered dementia that would be with her for the last ten years. Alzheimer's may have tarnished her short-term memory, but the memories of Father Will, Mother Nelle, Sisters Lucille and Ruth and Brother Garren would be strong. In her later years, the memories of her youth were vivid and relived daily.
Jennie Delle survived breast cancer for over 40 years. Until the dementia struck, she enjoyed good health. Becoming a grandmother, she loved being GiGi for Patrick and Will. Their toddler and preschool years were spent at her house daily...often digging in the dirt and always having fun.
Jennie Delle lived a long and full life of 96 years. She would become the oldest living member of her Church, Pisgah ARP. Through those years she had countless friends most of whom she was reunited with in their heavenly home.
Jennie Delle was married for 67 years to John Ormand who died in 2017. She is survived by their daughters Beth Kiser (John) and Lou Bingham (Craig). She is also survived by grandsons Patrick Kiser (Krista) and Will Kiser (Amy), great-grandchildren Jack, Matthew, and Ella Kiser. Jennie Delle was preceded by her parents William Roy Oates and Nelle Garren Oates, brother Garren Oates and sisters Ruth Spencer Hunt and Lucille Black. Jennie Delle was blessed with many friends and relatives.
While we will miss Jennie Delle, the memories we all have will live with us until the day we meet again at the Pearly Gates. She will be waiting for us with a wonderful sticky roll and a smile. We will forever love you Delle, Momma, Grandma and Gigi.
The family will receive friends 2-3 pm Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Pisgah ARP Church 3600 Linwood Road Gastonia. The funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm officiated by Pastor Bobby Duran and Pastor Jeff Hicks. The burial will be in the church cemetery.
Jennie can be remembered with memorials to Pisgah ARP Church.
The family would like to thank the staff of Summit Place Assisted Living in Kings Mountain for many years of love and care.
An online guestbook is available at greenefuneral.com
The West Chapel of Greene Funeral Service located at 216 Archie Whitesides Road Gastonia is honored to serve the Ormand family.
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