Obituary for Clarence E. DeLaney
Clarence Edward DeLaney was born in Jetersville, Virginia on February 14, 1944. He was the son of James Augustus DeLaney of Jettersville, VA and Geneva Eanes DeLaney of Rice, Virginia. Clarence was born in his Grandmother Gertie's house (his father's mother) and delivered by a family midwife named Dr. Harbor.
Clarence was a happy, handsome, and curious little boy who loved to have fun. He had great times with his brothers and sisters living in the country. They used to shoot marbles, wrestle, climb trees, play cowboys & indians, and fish at the lake. He had a very happy childhood and cherished the time he spent with his family. Every Sunday they would gather around the table to eat mashed potatoes, chicken, string beans, and hot rolls. He loved his mother's cooking, especially when she made fried fish and cornbread.
In the Summer and after school, Clarence and his brothers (James & Frank) and sister (Rita) worked with their father and mother in the family business. One of the first businesses included the purchase of Dr. Harbor's large home withch was turned into 'The Blue Star' - a grocery store, beauty parlor, and dance joint.
While still running The Blue Star, Clarence's father started a successful dump truck service where they towed dirt for construction companies. After working for his father ath J&D Trucking Comany, Clarence and his family voved to Fair Haven, NJ in the Summerof 1961. His father opened another business called 'American Gas' in Red Ban, NJ. Clarence ahd his brothers worked at the gas station as attendants.
Clarence was raised in an entrepreneurial family with strong ambition and work ethic. He was an excellent provider who taook care of his family, making sure they had not only the things they needed but also the things they wanted.
Clarence's career began at the tender age of 9 where he worked for his father at the family store, the trucking company, and the gas station. Clarence was pulled out of high school to work for his father after only a few moths into his sineio year. He then joined the Army and toured several countries from 1964 to 1967. While in the service, hemade sure to complete his education and received his GED.
Clarence began his career in the retail and grocery industry at Shoppin Bag in Altadena and then Fazio's Grocery Store (later remaned Albertson's) in south Pasadena, California. He worked his way up to management and quickly became Director. He was a people person who knew how to motivate and get the best out of his employees. Clarence had excellent management skills and knew just how to deliver bad news with a sense of compassion.
Because of his terrific people skills and storng knowledge of the industry, Clarence was approached by Los Angeles city officials to desing and create a grocery store. He performed research, conducted focus group interviews, gather demographics, and develooped a layout to sell specific products for an inner city audience who had no market within three surrounding cities. The Tri-City Co-op Grocery Store was affectionately known as 'The Pink Store.'
After many successful years in the retail and grocery businesses, Clarence made the transition to property management In this roll, Clarence managed and supervised a team of employees for Barker Property Management. He retired in 2006 in order to focus on his family and his health.
It was at the gas station in 1961, where Clarence met Gail Brito Watson. He was a senior in high school and she was a sophomore. They dated for six years (from 1961-1967) and then married on October 21, 1967. Their wedding was held in New Jersey where both of their families resided. Their union produced two beautiful children, Veronica Lynn DeLaney of South Pasadena, California and Velvette Lanice DeLaney of Rancho Cucamonga, California.
While working for Tri-City Co-op, Clarence met Deawdra (Samuel) Williams. Their union produced a handsome son named Qwontae Demar DeLaney of San Diego, California.
While also working at 'The Pink Store', Clarence met Johanna Faulkner, who her married in 1999, Their union produced a beautiful daughter named Jacqueline Vanessa DeLaney of Los Angelis, California. He also gained a wonderful step-son, Gregory Goodwin of Los Angeles, California.
Clarence was known for his sense of humor, bubbly personality, infectious smile, sparking eyes, and funny jokes. He loved to play cards, drive fast cars, relax outdoors and be surrounded by lots of people. He loved to entertain and was even part of a traveling Bid Whist Card Party. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke, invoking a sense of sincerity and connection. Most often people felt happy and good about themselves after spending time with him.
Never one to turn down an opportunity, Clarence embraced and participated fully in all that life had to offer. This was evident in the variety of activities that he was involved in. He was a man of many talents and interests; he enjoyed surfing, swimming, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, playing baseball, playing tennis, attending live basketball, football and hot-rod events, fishing, scuba diving, auto racing, and boating. He even took classes to obtain his pilot license at the Burbank Airport.
Clarence enjoyed traveling across the county and taking short trips with his family in their motorhome. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson up and down the California coastline. He also enjoyed taking his emeral green speed boat to Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas. He enjoyed crising to Mexico and the Caribbean, camping, playing practical jokes, shooting fireworks, racing remote controlled cars, driving go-karts, and barbecuing for friends and family.
Clarence was also very thoughtful--this could be seen in themeaningful and significant things her die--like selecting the perfect card and signing it with his signature capital letters, surprising his children with flowers or taking them on dates, combing their hair, and repairing their cars and bikes. He was also there when he knew he was needed, allowing friends and family to 'visit' for extended periods of time, and offering to help and encourage whenever he could.
Clarence made friends very easily, from all walks of life. He was a caring and loveable spirit who touched many lives in a positive and special way. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Clarence in predeceased by his parents James Augustus Delaney & Geneva Eanes DeLaney, Jetersville, VA; and brother James Augustus DeLaney (Wikky), Jetersville, VA.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Johanna Faulkner DeLaney; two brothers, Frank & Elvis DeLanes; sister, Rita DeLaney; four children, Veronica, Velvette, Qwontae and Jacqueline DeLaney; one step-son, Gregory Goodwin; three grandchildren, Aaliyah Enciso, Cameron & Brandon DeLaney, and in February we are expecting Collin Edward DeLaney. Clarence is also survived by a multitude of great friends, colleagues, and extended family.
Memorial Services were held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home in Amelia, Virginia.
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Clarence was a happy, handsome, and curious little boy who loved to have fun. He had great times with his brothers and sisters living in the country. They used to shoot marbles, wrestle, climb trees, play cowboys & indians, and fish at the lake. He had a very happy childhood and cherished the time he spent with his family. Every Sunday they would gather around the table to eat mashed potatoes, chicken, string beans, and hot rolls. He loved his mother's cooking, especially when she made fried fish and cornbread.
In the Summer and after school, Clarence and his brothers (James & Frank) and sister (Rita) worked with their father and mother in the family business. One of the first businesses included the purchase of Dr. Harbor's large home withch was turned into 'The Blue Star' - a grocery store, beauty parlor, and dance joint.
While still running The Blue Star, Clarence's father started a successful dump truck service where they towed dirt for construction companies. After working for his father ath J&D Trucking Comany, Clarence and his family voved to Fair Haven, NJ in the Summerof 1961. His father opened another business called 'American Gas' in Red Ban, NJ. Clarence ahd his brothers worked at the gas station as attendants.
Clarence was raised in an entrepreneurial family with strong ambition and work ethic. He was an excellent provider who taook care of his family, making sure they had not only the things they needed but also the things they wanted.
Clarence's career began at the tender age of 9 where he worked for his father at the family store, the trucking company, and the gas station. Clarence was pulled out of high school to work for his father after only a few moths into his sineio year. He then joined the Army and toured several countries from 1964 to 1967. While in the service, hemade sure to complete his education and received his GED.
Clarence began his career in the retail and grocery industry at Shoppin Bag in Altadena and then Fazio's Grocery Store (later remaned Albertson's) in south Pasadena, California. He worked his way up to management and quickly became Director. He was a people person who knew how to motivate and get the best out of his employees. Clarence had excellent management skills and knew just how to deliver bad news with a sense of compassion.
Because of his terrific people skills and storng knowledge of the industry, Clarence was approached by Los Angeles city officials to desing and create a grocery store. He performed research, conducted focus group interviews, gather demographics, and develooped a layout to sell specific products for an inner city audience who had no market within three surrounding cities. The Tri-City Co-op Grocery Store was affectionately known as 'The Pink Store.'
After many successful years in the retail and grocery businesses, Clarence made the transition to property management In this roll, Clarence managed and supervised a team of employees for Barker Property Management. He retired in 2006 in order to focus on his family and his health.
It was at the gas station in 1961, where Clarence met Gail Brito Watson. He was a senior in high school and she was a sophomore. They dated for six years (from 1961-1967) and then married on October 21, 1967. Their wedding was held in New Jersey where both of their families resided. Their union produced two beautiful children, Veronica Lynn DeLaney of South Pasadena, California and Velvette Lanice DeLaney of Rancho Cucamonga, California.
While working for Tri-City Co-op, Clarence met Deawdra (Samuel) Williams. Their union produced a handsome son named Qwontae Demar DeLaney of San Diego, California.
While also working at 'The Pink Store', Clarence met Johanna Faulkner, who her married in 1999, Their union produced a beautiful daughter named Jacqueline Vanessa DeLaney of Los Angelis, California. He also gained a wonderful step-son, Gregory Goodwin of Los Angeles, California.
Clarence was known for his sense of humor, bubbly personality, infectious smile, sparking eyes, and funny jokes. He loved to play cards, drive fast cars, relax outdoors and be surrounded by lots of people. He loved to entertain and was even part of a traveling Bid Whist Card Party. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke, invoking a sense of sincerity and connection. Most often people felt happy and good about themselves after spending time with him.
Never one to turn down an opportunity, Clarence embraced and participated fully in all that life had to offer. This was evident in the variety of activities that he was involved in. He was a man of many talents and interests; he enjoyed surfing, swimming, water skiing, snow skiing, hiking, playing baseball, playing tennis, attending live basketball, football and hot-rod events, fishing, scuba diving, auto racing, and boating. He even took classes to obtain his pilot license at the Burbank Airport.
Clarence enjoyed traveling across the county and taking short trips with his family in their motorhome. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson up and down the California coastline. He also enjoyed taking his emeral green speed boat to Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas. He enjoyed crising to Mexico and the Caribbean, camping, playing practical jokes, shooting fireworks, racing remote controlled cars, driving go-karts, and barbecuing for friends and family.
Clarence was also very thoughtful--this could be seen in themeaningful and significant things her die--like selecting the perfect card and signing it with his signature capital letters, surprising his children with flowers or taking them on dates, combing their hair, and repairing their cars and bikes. He was also there when he knew he was needed, allowing friends and family to 'visit' for extended periods of time, and offering to help and encourage whenever he could.
Clarence made friends very easily, from all walks of life. He was a caring and loveable spirit who touched many lives in a positive and special way. He is loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Clarence in predeceased by his parents James Augustus Delaney & Geneva Eanes DeLaney, Jetersville, VA; and brother James Augustus DeLaney (Wikky), Jetersville, VA.
Clarence is survived by his wife, Johanna Faulkner DeLaney; two brothers, Frank & Elvis DeLanes; sister, Rita DeLaney; four children, Veronica, Velvette, Qwontae and Jacqueline DeLaney; one step-son, Gregory Goodwin; three grandchildren, Aaliyah Enciso, Cameron & Brandon DeLaney, and in February we are expecting Collin Edward DeLaney. Clarence is also survived by a multitude of great friends, colleagues, and extended family.
Memorial Services were held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at Michael W. Hawkes Funeral Home in Amelia, Virginia.
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