Delores Gray Safford was born on October 10, 1940, in Cleveland, OH. She was the second youngest of eight children born to the late Alton and Mina Gray Walker. Delores attended Cleveland Public Schools, graduated from John Adams High School, and continued her education at Kent State University.

Delores accepted Christ at an early age and was also multi-talented. She played the violin, piano and sang in the choir.

On August 4, 1963, Delores married Melvin Preston Safford I. They had three beautiful children, Cheryl, Deidre, and Melvin II.

Delores, affectionately known as “Pee-Wee” or “Dearest”, was always ahead of her time and was a forward thinker. She was a strong, determined, and fiercely independent woman who always lead by example.

Dearest loved Family, Cooking, Gardening, Shopping, and Politics. Loving on and spending time with her family was her GREATEST JOY. With family, you could often find her dancing, playing card games, playing board games, spending time at the farm, and always having a bright and beautiful smile when doing so. Dearest also loved the arts, plants, and had an eye for interior design. Gardening and beautifying her yard was her form of relaxation and self-care.

Besides her devotion to her children, Dearest was an avid member of her community. She developed a love and passion for politics in the 80s. Throughout that time, she was elected as the Clerk of Courts for Warrensville Township during which she became an integral part of the political process to transition Warrensville Township into The Village of Highland Hills.

After retiring from her elected position with The Village of Highland Hills, she ran for and was elected as Councilwoman of Highland Hills. Dearest was also a long-time officer and member of the Tri-City Democratic Club.

Dearest treated everyone with the same level of respect and kindness. She had an even temperament and was always willing to help anyone in need. She was the true example of Love, personified.

On June 30, 2023, Dearest received a call for an offer that she couldn’t refuse. This offer came with a huge sign-on bonus, which included a crown filled with priceless jewels and a reunion with family and friends. Her new home is a wonderful place where she will be singing praises and socializing. Laughter, fun, and love are guaranteed while being in the eternal presence of the Lord. Although we will miss her presence here on earth, rest assured that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alton and Mina Gray Walker; her husband, Melvin Safford I; step-daughter, Antionette; siblings, Jeanette, Alfred, Raymond, Shirley, Leonard, and Darlene.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Cheryl, Deidre (Andrew), Melvin; one sister, Barbara; one brother Terry; grandchildren, Porscha (Ronald), Dionte, Jazmine (Raphael), Taylor, Jerell, Randy Jr, Maya, Melvin III; nine great-grandchildren, and a host of family and friends who love and celebrate her life along with us.