Delores Daniels

NEW BERN, NC — Delores Woodruff Daniels peacefully passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on August 30, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a woman who lived an extraordinary and adventurous life.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Opie and Florence Woodruff, and her brothers, Billie Woodruff and David Woodruff.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lenwood Earl Daniels, Jr.; four children, Len Daniels (Lisa) of New Bern, Rita Daniels (Don Butto) of Raleigh, David Daniels (Carmen) of Georgia, and Sandy Cox (Stephen) of Rhems; six grandchildren, Justin Daniels, Dylan Daniels, Kimberly Escobar (Chris), David Daniels, Sebastian Daniels, and Wade Cox; and three great-grandchildren, Elijah Escobar, Guillermo Escobar, and Oscar Escobar.

Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, Delores grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. She was independent and determined from an early age. She returned to Tennessee just six weeks before graduating from Sulphur Springs High School. Her first job was at Tennessee Eastman working as a lab technician. At just 18 years old, she purchased a home—a home she proudly continued to own throughout her life.

Her adventurous spirit soon led her to become a stewardess for Eastern Airlines. Delores was never one to sit on the sidelines. She soloed in an airplane, went skydiving, competed in a National Baton Championship, and even performed a solo halftime baton show for the Baltimore Colts professional football team. Her courage, determination, and willingness to try something new were hallmarks of her personality.

Delores eventually made New Bern, North Carolina, her home, where she lived for 44 years. Throughout those years, she wore many hats. She was a homemaker, taught baton, hobbied as a seamstress, and owned and operated various businesses. Whatever she chose to do, she approached it with independence, creativity, and determination. She and her husband shared a deep love for traveling together, exploring new places and creating a lifetime of shared adventures.

Above all, Delores treasured her family. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories and stories that will continue to be shared by the people who loved her. Her adventurous spirit, strength, humor, and love for her family will be deeply missed. Though her journey on earth has come to an end, the remarkable life she lived and the memories she created will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of life at the home of Earl and Delores on Saturday, September 19 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The residence is located at 214 Metcalf Street, New Bern, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Delores's honor to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation or to Craven County Hospice.