Robinson Mortuary

Mother Hazel B. DeLoney was born in Althemier, Arkansas, and raised in Stuttgart, Arkansas.
She was united in holy matrimony to the late Elder William H. DeLoney, Jr., for 49 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder William H. DeLoney, Jr., and her son, William Henry DeLoney, III.
From this union, she was blessed to be the loving mother of seven children: Timothy R. DeLoney (Theodore), Wayne E. DeLoney (Joyce), Deborah D. DeLoney, Kent M. DeLoney (Rita), Shyrletta B. DeLoney-Wilson, Rex R. DeLoney (Terri), and the late William Henry DeLoney, III; and the proud grandmother of ten grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews who added richness to her life, and many sons and daughters in the Lord.
A devoted servant of God, Mother DeLoney was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost at the age of 16. Her life was marked by unwavering faith, fervent prayer, and steadfast dedication to the work of the Lord. She was widely known and deeply respected as an intercessor, prayer warrior, teacher, and leader whose influence extended across generations.
Mother DeLoney was a retired educator, having served 30 years in public education. She believed deeply in the importance of preparation and lifelong learning, both academically and spiritually. She was a graduate of Holman High School in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from AM&N/UAPB in 1958. She pursued graduate studies at the University of Central Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and the University of Arkansas. Her theological education included a diploma from the C.H. Mason System of Bible Colleges and studies in Christian Education at Jackson Theological Seminary–Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She also continued in independent study throughout her life, enhancing her multifaceted ministry.
Mother DeLoney’s service to the Church of God in Christ spanned every level of leadership—local, district, state, and international. Locally, she faithfully served as a Junior High Sunday School Teacher, President of the Sunshine Band, Purity Class, Young Women’s Christian Council, Bible Band Teacher, Deaconess, Junior and Senior Mother’s Board leader, Chairperson of Bible Studies, Director of Vacation Bible School, and Coordinator of the Women’s Department Auxiliaries. At the district level, she served as Purity Class President, Sunday School Superintendent, and District Missionary.
Her state and jurisdictional service was extensive and impactful. She served as Coordinator of the Women’s Convention and compiler of workshop materials for ten years, Dean of Education for the Sunday School Department, Banquet Sponsor, Instructor for the C.H. Mason Bible College, and held numerous leadership roles including Chairperson of Executive Public Relations, Convocation Program Committee member, Ways and Means Committee member, Board of Education member, Advisory Board member, and Seminar Facilitator.
In January 2000, Mother Hazel B. DeLoney was appointed Assistant Jurisdictional Supervisor of the Arkansas First Jurisdiction by Bishop L.T. Walker, Sr., Presiding Prelate, and Mother Rosa Lee Graham, Jurisdictional Supervisor. She was officially recognized internationally in November 2000 during the Church of God in Christ Holy Convocation Women’s Day Service in Memphis, Tennessee, under the leadership of Mother Willie Mae Rivers, International Supervisor of Women. In March 2005, she was appointed Jurisdictional Supervisor by Bishop L.T. Walker and officially installed in November 2005.
Since her appointment, Mother DeLoney continued to touch countless lives through spiritual guidance, prayer, leadership training, and compassionate service. She founded and organized the Arkansas Jurisdictional 72-Hour Prayer, Fast, and Shut-In in 1982, a benchmark spiritual event that continues to impact the church. She also established the Missionary Training Academy, a three-year licensing program; the Believe to Achieve Scholarship Program for Sunshine Band and Purity youth; the Women’s Annual Fellowship Luncheon; and served faithfully on the Upper Room Hour of Power Prayer Team.
Mother DeLoney also served alongside her husband in ministry for 15 years at Biscoe Church of God in Christ in Biscoe, Arkansas, and Grace Temple Church of God in Christ in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her professional and civic involvement included membership in the Arkansas Association of University Women, National Education Association, Arkansas Education Association, Classroom Teachers Association, PTA (Lifetime Member), North Little Rock Retired Teachers Association, and numerous community organizations.
Her life of service was recognized with many honors, including an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2002, recognition as one of the International Women of Achievement in 2004, appointment to the Department of Women Board of Education, and selection as one of the 150 Most Influential Women in the Church of God in Christ in 2015 by The Whole Truth Magazine.
Above all titles and honors, Mother Hazel B. DeLoney will be remembered as a woman of prayer, quiet strength, wisdom, love, and unwavering loyalty to God, His church, and His people.
Her influence lives on through the many lives she shaped—educators, ministers, missionaries, leaders, and faithful saints—who continue the legacy of “Yes Lord” obedience.
To God be the glory for the life, Public Viewing: Friday, December 19, 2025, 5:00-6:00pm. Family Hour: 6:00-7:00pm. Life Celebration: Saturday, December 20, 2025, 11:00am. All services will be held at Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC, 1322 S Pulaski Street, LR, AR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, AR. 501-371-0111. “Service You Can Trust”