Promoted to Glory: Major Lorraine Delaney

Major Lorraine Delaney was Promoted To Glory on November 2, 2023, at the age of 94. Even in the midst of declining health, she remained faithful to the Lord.

Lorraine Belle Leeson was born on December 22, 1928, in Shinnston, WV to Clyde and Opal Leeson. She met the love of her life, Elwood Donald Delaney, at The Salvation Army, and the couple married at the corps in Parkersburg, WV.

During World War II, Lorraine worked as a combat bootmaker while her husband served in the South Pacific. At the age of 19, she entered the training college as a member of the King's Messengers session of cadets. Commissioned in 1948, she went on to faithfully serve as a Salvation Army officer for 44 years in seven divisions, including 19 different appointments and numerous post-retirement assignments.

In retirement, she continued to serve the Lord as a substitute Sunday School teacher for the pre-school class at the corps in Panama City, FL.

Major Lorraine had the gift of engaging soldiers and young people in the Army's mission and ministry. She had a love for music, playing in the band as a child, playing the timbrel, and was often featured as a vocal soloist. When They Ring Those Golden Bells was one of her favorite songs to perform. She leaves behind a legacy of music through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She also had a great passion for preaching the Word of God and continued to share Christ in her later years while living at the Charter Senior Living Facility in Panama City Beach, FL.

Major Lorraine was the epitome of a feisty, hardworking, and faithful soldier of Jesus. She had a deep love for her Lord, as well as for her family.

Major Lorraine Delaney is preceded in death by her husband of 76 years, Major Elwood Delaney; one son, Major Dan Delaney; and one grandson, Garrick Shaun Bledsoe.

She is survived by two daughters: Major Patricia (John deceased) Bledsoe; and Vanessa (Bill deceased) Houseal; one son: USMC 1st Sgt. Timothy (Thelma) Delaney; and one daughter-in-law, Major Lynda Delaney. She also leaves 22 grandchildren and their spouses, 35 great-grandchildren and their spouses, and eight great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 11, 2023, at the Westview Cemetery Memorial Chapel in Atlanta with a graveside service to follow.