Bessie Eugene (Lemay) DeLoach

BESSIE EUGENE (LEMAY) DeLOACH, age 91 of Clanton, passed away on January 1, 2026, at Baptist Health–Shelby Hospital in Alabaster, Alabama. She was born in Louisiana on October 10, 1934, the daughter of the late John Lemay, Sr. and the late Alama Allen Lemay.

Bessie was a longtime and dedicated employee of the Thorsby garment plant, where she worked faithfully for many years. Above all else, she was devoted to her family and cherished the time spent with those she loved. Alongside her late husband, Junior, she traveled throughout the southeastern United States singing and sharing their love of Southern gospel music, a ministry that brought joy to many and reflected her deep faith and passion for music.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Mann of Sharpsburg, Georgia; granddaughter, Holly Hand of Newnan, Georgia; one great-grandchild expected soon; and her brother, John Lemay, Jr. of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James “Junior” DeLoach, and her granddaughter, Theresa Ann Mann.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

A private inurnment will take place in Bethany Baptist Cemetery in Clanton, Alabama.

“O sing unto the Lord a new song:
sing unto the Lord, all the earth.
Sing unto the Lord, bless his name;
shew forth his salvation from day to day.”
— Psalm 96:1–2 (KJV)

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com