Delores Cathryn Dees

Delores Cathryn Dees, known lovingly to family and friends as Delores, passed away on May 12, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 92. She was born on December 4, 1933, in White Deer, Texas, to Surveters Leonard Lewis and Catherine Alice (Mex) Gores Lewis and lived a life marked by kindness, humor, devotion,and steady strength.

Delores carried herself with grace and warmth, and those who knewher will remember her as a woman who could brighten a room with her smile, her quick wit,and her generous spirit. She was kind, funny, and loving, and those qualities remained at the center of her life in every season.

Delores was the beloved wife of the late Beecher Val Dees. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother Stanley Lewis and his wife, Tickle; her children Pamela JeanDees and Beecher Vincent Dees. She is survived by her brother, Dalton Lewis and his wife Oma Jean; her children, Kim Annette Dees, Eric Shaun Dees and his wife Melanie, and her son-in-law Rick Delery; her three grandchildren, Dallas, Carissa, and Tara; and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart and knew her as Aunt Delores or Aunt Dee.

Her family was the great joy of her life, and she treasured every gathering,conversation, and memory shared with them over the years. A proud Texas woman, Delores pursued her education with determination and earned her associate’s degree from Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas. Her commitment to learning reflected the same perseverance that guided her throughout her life. Delores built a career as a real estate and home appraiser and later enjoyed a well-earned retirement.

She was deeply interested in dancing, music and theatre, and these joys brought light and rhythm to her life. Whether she was sharing a dance with her husband Val at the Top Hat Club in Corpus Christi or enjoying a favorite song by Tom Jones, Delores embraced moments of happiness and connection. Throughout her life Delores participated in local community theatre productions as an actress and enjoyed performing well into her eighties in the Corpus Christi 7 Day Film Festival. Delores was also politically active and especially passionate about women’s rights. She was a member of the Nueces DemocraticParty, the Nueces County Tejano Democrats and the Sierra Club where she found so many good friends who were also passionate, loving people. Delores attended state conventions frequently and served as a delegate. She took great pride in being involved and believed strongly in civic responsibility. For a number of years Delores also served as an election judge in Nueces County, faithfully carrying out her duties with seriousness and care. Her service reflected her belief in fairness, participation,and the importance of every voice being heard.

Those who knew Delores will remember her for her warmth, her sense of humor, and the loving way she treated others. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued, and she offered encouragement and honesty in equal measure. Her presence was comforting, her laughter was memorable, and her love for her family and community was unwavering. Her memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her.