Carolyn Jean Jones Delaney, 88, of Xenia, Ohio, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton, just 26 days after the passing of her beloved husband, Bobby Carroll Delaney.

For a woman whose life was so beautifully intertwined with faith, family, and the church, there seems something particularly fitting about her homegoing on a Sunday.

Born in Jamestown, Ohio, to Winifred and Francis Jones, Carolyn was an only child who would spend much of her life becoming family to an extraordinary number of people. Known affectionately as Carolyn Jean, Jonesey, Mom, Mama, and Grandma, she possessed uncommon talent, quiet determination, a generous heart, and a personality entirely her own.

An exceptional student and valedictorian of her graduating class, Carolyn carried her intelligence and resolve into a distinguished banking career spanning more than four decades. At a time when women were still breaking through the glass ceiling of executive leadership, she worked her way through the ranks to become a vice president, serving with Peoples Savings and Loan, Citizens Federal, and Fifth Third Bank. A respected businesswoman and community leader, she was a trailblazer without necessarily setting out to be one.

And she always LOOKED the part!

The power suits, the impeccable style, the carefully chosen accessories. Carolyn knew how to make an impression. She loved a good shopping excursion!

Yet one of her most remarkable gifts was found not in an executive office, but on a piano bench.

Carolyn was a uniquely gifted musician whose distinctive piano styling was unmistakably her own. With an extraordinary ear, a spirited touch, and an anointed passion she could fill a sanctuary with sound and stir a congregation without ever speaking a word. For more than seven decades, she shared that gift through worship, choir, revivals, concerts, and the ministry of The King's Men Quartet.

Music was also an enduring part of her partnership with Bobby. He brought the voice, she brought the piano, and together they created something that blessed countless lives. Although, knowing Carolyn, one suspects she occasionally had a few thoughts about the tempo.

Their faith and service were deeply rooted in the church, including more than five decades at North Side Christian Church in Xenia, which she and Bobby helped establish in 1964. In 2019, they returned to First Church of Christ, rediscovering a familiar spiritual home and a congregation that welcomed them with the love they truly deserved!

But Carolyn's ministry extended well beyond the piano.

For more than five decades, often alongside her dear friends Barbie and Dottie, she served faithfully in the church nursery. To hundreds of babies and generations of young families, hers was among the first welcoming faces they encountered at church. Those gentle hands that could command a keyboard with such remarkable skill were equally comfortable cradling an infant, reassuring a young parent, or tending to the smallest among us.

Thousands of Sundays, countless little lives, and a quiet demonstration of the love of Jesus that required no microphone, no platform, and certainly no applause.

Carolyn simply showed up. And she made a difference.

She embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a delightful sense of style. She loved Disney, family adventures, beautiful flowers, a good meal, and the fellowship of her Red Hat Club friends. From a memorable hot-air balloon adventure to treasured travels and gatherings, she understood the invitation of carpe diem, to seize the day and enjoy the journey.

She was a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan and an enthusiastic supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes. She enjoyed serving legendary North Side Wednesday night dinners and the company of longtime “sisters”. Kathy, Betty, Evelyn, Luwanna, Dottie, Lynn, Barb M, and countless others who were part of the circle of relationships she treasured.

And, of course, there was The Young and the Restless.

Carolyn followed the residents of Genoa City with a level of interest usually reserved for immediate family. After decades of their complicated relationships and questionable decisions, she was remarkably well-informed about people she had never actually met. One suspects she occasionally had a few suggestions for them, too.

She loved to laugh, possessed a wonderful wit, and had a way of making people feel noticed, included, and important.

As the mother of Greg and Darin, Carolyn was a fiercely devoted advocate, encourager, and protector. She celebrated their accomplishments, endured their noted difficult seasons, and defended her boys with a determination that left little room for negotiation. Her love was steadfast, particularly when life became complicated.

That same devotion extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An attentive and enthusiastic grandmother, Carolyn delighted in their lives, celebrated their milestones, and found joy in simply being part of their stories. Although she had no siblings of her own, she gained a remarkable extended family through marriage, becoming a beloved sister-in-law, aunt, and friend.

And through it all, there was Bobby.

Together for nearly 75 years and married for nearly 68, they shared a lifetime of faith, family, music, ministry, laughter, and more than a few adventures. They were distinct personalities, each with particular gifts and occasional strong opinions, but somehow the combination worked beautifully.

"They were a good team." Indeed, they were.

His passing on September 15 of this year left a profound absence in Carolyn's world. She missed him terribly. Now, just 26 days later, their earthly separation has ended.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, Greg (Beth) Delaney and Darin (Dani) Delaney; grandchildren Hillary (Cameron) Schleich, Samantha (Alex) Carlson, Ian Delaney, Megan Delaney, and Morghan Delaney; and great-grandchildren Oliver, Benjamin, Grayson, and Mia.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Luwanna Dawkins, Katherine Delaney, Betty Delaney, and Evelyn Delaney; numerous nieces and nephews; and a wonderful extended family of friends, former colleagues, and church families.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Carroll Delaney, and her parents, Winifred and Francis Jones.

After a lifetime of accompanying the songs of others, Carolyn has joined a chorus far grander than anything she could have imagined. Her beloved Bobby is there, and the Savior she spent a lifetime worshiping has welcomed her Home.

For the first time in a long time, the music is glorious, and Carolyn doesn't have to accompany anyone.

She can simply enjoy the song.

Carolyn’s Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at First Church of Christ, Ledbetter Road, Xenia, Ohio, for visitation from 4:00 to 5:50 p.m.

A special tribute, "The Life Between the Notes: A Celebration of Carolyn” will begin at 6:00 p.m., with fellowship and food following.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Ohio’s Hospice in memory of Bobby, Carolyn and Juanita Gable who ALL were blessed by their care and compassion.