Earsie Ward Delchamps was born 98 years ago in Evergreen, Alabama to William Walter and Vera Coburn Ward.  She was the third of 12 children born to the Ward family and the oldest girl.  The Wards were, and remain to this day, primarily a farming family.  On the farm, Earsie learned the value of hard work, industry, thrift, and helping others. 

 

Shortly after graduating high school, during World War 2, Earsie moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the War Department transcribing bereavement letters to the families of fallen soldiers.  She saved her money in order to attend the University of Alabama after the conclusion of the war. Her mother helped by sending her the butter and egg money she made on the farm.

 

While attending the University of Alabama, she met and married Curtis Eugene Delchamps of Mobile.  Known as Gene, he was a veteran of the war whose college attendance was delayed due to his service in the Army in Belgium and France.  The couple had 2 children:  Barbara Anne and Charles Curtis.

 

Earsie earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and a Master of Science in Chemistry from Pennsylvania State College (now Pennsylvania State University).  

 

Earsie was a lifelong educator; as a high school chemistry teacher, at church, in the community, and with her many friends and family members.  She could always be counted on to find solutions to problems whether they were chemistry problems, sewing problems, or life’s problems.  

 

Earsie placed her faith in Jesus Christ for salvation at a young age.  She loved to play the piano and her favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art” which she would play loudly to rouse her children and grandchildren out of bed when they were visiting.  Her favorite scripture was Psalm 8.  Both attest to the beauty of God’s creation.   Her family rejoice in the knowledge that she now sees Jesus face to face. 

Funeral services will be held 2:00 Monday, March 3, 2025 at the Evergreen Methodist Church. Rev. Bill Messer will officiate. Interment will follow in the Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive one hour prior to services at the church. Cope-Keahey Funeral Home directing.

Earsie’s husband, Gene, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Barbara Anne Delchamps Holth (Bill) and Charles Curtis Delchamps (Shannon Lewis).

Sisters, Anna Merrill of Florala, Doris Conner of Savannah and Josephine Powell of Mobile.

Earsie had 6 grandchildren:  Daniel William Holth (Ericka) , Anne Elizabeth Holth, James Judson Holth, David Curtis Delchamps (Mary Lawton Fairchild), Jonathan Steven Holth (Michelle Holth)  and Kelley Kathryn Delchamps (Jackson West). 

Earsie had 7 great-grandchildren:

Alexandra Daniella Holth

Zachary Henry Holth 

Jay Thomas Holth 

Leo Henry Holth

Kai William Holth

Curtis Payne Delchamps

Samuel Lewis Delchamps