Deloris Finch Mason
September 20, 1932 – November 15, 2022
Deloris (known to us as “Dee Dee”) Finch Mason, 90 years of age, quietly passed on to eternal rest on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at her home in Richmond, Virginia after a wonderfully, well-lived life. Deloris was born on September 20, 1932, in Richmond, Virginia to parents (predeceased) Charles W (Sr) and Nalda Baker Farrar.
Educated in the Richmond, Virginia public school system, Deloris went on to pursue a career in business specializing in Human Resources Management and worked for various private and governmental agencies to include the Georgia Department of Labor (Atlanta, Ga), Soldiers and Airman’s Home (Washington, DC), DC General Hospital, (Washington, DC) and retiring from University of District of Columbia in Washington DC.
During her career, Deloris enjoyed living in Atlanta, GA, and Alexandria. Virginia, finally moving back to Richmond upon her retirement. Deloris was united in marriage to Negro league great Henry “Pistol” Mason, who pre-deceased her in May 2020.
Deloris is survived by her two children, Van Douglas Quarles (Valerie) of Waldorf, MD, and Gail Deloris Quarles of Richmond, VA who was also Deloris’ loving caregiver. Also left to grieve are Deloris’ three siblings, Charles W. Farrar Jr. (Pinky), Jean F. Thomas (Frank deceased), and Barbara L. Jones (Steve), all of Richmond, Va. In addition, Deloris is also survived by three grandchildren, Monique Moody (Daryl), Brittney Jackson (Brandon), and Demetrius Quarles. In addition, Deloris leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Micah Quarles, Donovan Moody, and Trevor Moody; two great-great-grandchildren, Aria Quarles, and Luca Harmon. A beloved niece, Kim Farrar, and loving cousins Barbara Wright (Thomas), Brenda Thompson, Kim Hinkson, and a host of other relatives and friends, especially Martha Bridgeforth.
Deloris was a beautifully elegant, brilliant, charming, delightful force to be reckoned with. In her career, at a time when women of color were not given opportunities, she cracked her share of glass ceilings with confidence and grace. The impact that she had on so many, and the lives she changed by her persistent belief that opportunities in the workforce should not be denied due to race, gender, or disabilities, was one of the many jewels in her crown.
A world traveler, she loved dining in Paris, shopping in Italy, sunning in Cannes, Monte Carlo, and having family roots in St Kitts, West Indies. Did I mention shopping? That was one of her great pleasures! Her impeccable style was legendary.
She loved being surrounded by her family and took immense pride in the accomplishments and rich history of her family.
Lastly and most importantly, she was an extraordinarily loving and supportive mother. No matter where we were or what we did she always had our backs. In her heels and coifed hair, she was still a true “ride or die” diva for her children. Her wisdom and support allowed us to fly always knowing that she was our beacon of light, our strength, and our guide through turbulence or joy.
Deloris enjoyed a life well lived. (By the way, she baked the most delicious lemon chess pies in the world).
How very blessed we have been to have this fabulous “diva” in our lives!
My LG
I send sincere condolences to my dear cousin Gail Quarles and the extended family.
Thank God for my sisters wonderful life. She was a shining star. May she rest in Peace and flights of angels guide her soul to eternal rest.
I met Mother Delores in recent years. She was the queen of all she surveyed, intelligent, gracious and hilarious. It was always a joy to be in her company and be apart of her laughter. I will miss her and the stories she shared about the Richmond, Va she and my mother grew up in. I shall miss her until the time we meet again at God’ table. I hope I bring a smile to her face and her favorite wine. Amen.
My kind of woman for sure- outspoken, confident, well rounded, and elegant. May she in peace. May the family find comfort in the glorious memories of travel, laughter, stories, time shared, and love. Peace.
Missing her so much already. Thank you for filling my hunger for memory! “Aunty”/Cousin Dee Dee, my last connection to my grandmother, Thelma Ann – her kindred spirit. A powerful example of independent womanhood inspiring and uplifting me and my sisters. I look forward to celebrating her life for the years to come and recounting the stories told to me by her and family that made me swell with pride and laughter. Reminding me life is worth it for the spices sprinkled. Pursue love whenever and wherever! Makes me proud to be a Baker, a woman of color and part of a strong family who continues to influence the future. When I dance and swing my hips to soulful beats I will think of you always and smile and let the rhythm warm me with your memory.
My lifelong friend DeeDee. Already I miss our very long conversations with sadness, smiles and pure laughter! Girlfriend, we went down memory lane often.
Now, I have few people to travel with me thru those lanes!
You, my friend, left me too soon. I had no thought that u would leave me. Now, I have only memories. Wish you had stayed longer. However. I understand when God calls you home, it is time to pack your bags! I miss and miss u more each day. See u soon. Make way for me. You left a heck of a legacy ! I love u. Martha Bridgeforth
My dear cousin will be greatly missed by all who loved and was fortunate to spend time with her in Richmond and also when she visited family members in St. Kitts, may she RIEP .. MY Condolence to the entire family, much love
My Darling Dee Dee, I will love you always. Thank you for loving me and cooking the best food. I appreciated all of our rich talks! May God give you good rest!
Always, Monique