Maggie Lean Delamar

For Maggie Lean, being a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker, friend, aunt, matriarch, mentor, neighbor, counselor, confidante, and servant were all honorable callings. Because love is far greater than death, her love will continue to live on forever. When Maggie Lean Weaver was born on April 29, 1919, she was blessed with God fearing parents who, by example, taught Christian values, integrity and ingenuity that resulted in a solid and caring family environment. Her parents Willie and Frances LeGrande Weaver were highly respected among friends and neighbors in the Dalark Community. She confessed her faith in Christ at a tender age where she united with Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dalark. Maggie loved learning and even though she had to miss many days of school to “chop” and “pick” cotton. Maggie grew up to be a beautiful and intelligent young woman. She preached kindness, respect of self and others. She possessed a strong work ethic, gentle demeanor and subtle degree of sophistication Maggie met the tall and handsome, William E. Delamar and a true love story began. They were united in Holy Matrimony on August 14, 1937. William and Maggie shared a 79 year love story filled with up and downs, good and bad days, love and laughter. Her straight forwardness was always direct, yet sweet. She was a part of the generation that counted motherhood as a virtue because a mother knew the difference between a house and a home. So her golden accomplishment in life was to make a loving home that would produce a tapestry of memories for which her family would forever cherish and relish. She loved to sew and with three girls she mastered pressing hair. The family eventually settled in Malvern, Arkansas and united with the Bethel A.M.E. Church family. She believed strongly that although one is not saved by his works, a man shows his faith by his works (James 2:18); she served throughout her life working in the church. She had served as a stewardess, class leader, senior choir member, senior choir treasurer and youth advisor. She was a very active member of the Women’s Missionary Society and the Chief cook for the West Arkansas Conference. She worked for over 20 years as a cook at the Hot Springs County Hospital. She was a soul food “boiling pots” cooking type of woman. She was known for her tasty and hearty meals. Her doors were always open and there was a always food prepared for family and friends who would drop in. One of her greatest joys was spending memorable moments with relatives both young and old. Her legacy of family togetherness, hospitality and community will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and friends. Having been the oldest member of her family, her home was treasure chest full of old photos, family heirlooms, “what nots”, but most of all it was the place to learn of the family history. Her angelic face was always a portrait of serenity and composure. Her natural wit and humor could chase the chill from any room. She was preceded in transition by her doting parents, her son, James Edward Delamar; brothers, William Weaver and Dave Weaver; sisters, Elizabeth Thrower, Violaree Starks and Mable Weaver, as well as, a cousin that was cherished as a sister, Maxine Harris Dickerson. On Sunday, July 17, 2016 in her 97th season of life with her family at her bedside, she began her eternal celebration in a land that shall never grow old. Although she lived what some may call a long life, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with her. Her passing shall be filled with rejoicing for a life well lived. It is a given that she lived a long life filled with love, joy and happiness. She gave her all to the Lord, and now is added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision, a place not made by human hands, a place we call Heaven. Her life was the epitome of courage, love, and a deep abiding faith expressed by the many lives she touched. Her love and devotion was shared by her husband, William E. Delamar of Malvern; four children, Maggie Jean Risher of Austin, TX, Shirley Ann McWilliams of Memphis, TN amd Jacquelyn Renee Mitchell of Malvern, AR; two sisters-in-law, Ollie M. Weaver of Malvern, AR and Thedessa Weaver of North Carolina; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren; special godsons, Rev. Jesse Hawkins, Jr., of Peoria, IL, Bro. Charles Anderson of Little Rock, AR, Rev. Dr. Bobby Anderson of Malvern, AR; and goddaughter, Martha Lynn Summerville of Malvern, AR. She also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, as well as other relatives, the Bethel AME Church family and many friends. Visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2016 from 12-4pm at the funeral home. The family will gather from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 16th and Caddo Streets, to receive friends and share with them the Images of life DVD. The Delamar family invites friends and extended family members to share in the final tributes to her life on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Malvern, Arkansas where Rev. Clarence Guy is the pastor and Dr. Bobby Anderson will serve as the eulogist. Interment will be in Houston-Turner Cemetery in Dalark, Arkansas.