Delia Thomas

Delia Mae Twilley-Hibbard, of Cartersville, passed away Friday, July 19th, 2024, at Brookside Assisted Living, surrounded by her loved ones. Born April 1st, 1937, in Paulding County, she was the daughter of the late William Rufus Twilley and Delia Mae Thomason-Twilley. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Hibbard, in 1977 and her son, Dale Hibbard, in 2023. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Bill Twilley, Ann McAdams, Lester Thomason, Alma Brown, Lance Twilley, Gin Powell, Jean Brown, Larry Twilley, Randell Twilley; and her late husband, John L. Thomas.

Delia met the love of her life, Frank Hibbard, in Corning, California, where they married and started their beautiful family. She worked in various fields, including cosmetology, but found her niche in the restaurant business. After moving their family back to Georgia, the Hibbards resided in White. After her initial introduction to restaurant work in Corning, California, at The Blue Feather, she later worked at Harrison's Barbeque in downtown White, Georgia. That opportunity led to her and her sister purchasing Harrison's Restaurant. After Delia's husband became ill, she sold her portion to her sister, and the infamous Jean's Restaurant in White, Georgia, was born. It was there where people met and grew to love the lady with the platinum blond beehive hairdo, a tiny waist, and a big personality. She loved people, whether serving, managing, cooking, or sitting with special customers who became her lifelong friends, especially her sister-in-law, Bobbie Moore who was truly a best friend. Later, Delia served the children in the community and city of Cartersville while driving Bus Number 50 for the city school system until her health declined and she retired.

Delia was born into a family of writers, singers, and musicians. Her father was a preacher who ensured that all the children played an instrument or participated in music. Her talents included playing the piano and singing. As a spirit-filled Christian, that talent opened doors for her to lead the singing group Homeland, where they traveled, sang, and told the good news about the God she diligently served. One of her favorite pastimes was traveling to gospel singings, especially if they included Cherokee, North Carolina. She was appointed the piano player at every family gathering, where loved ones would come together to eat, sing, and spend precious family time together. Undoubtedly, it was utter chaos and loud, but there was also a lot of love, but also correction when Delia was in charge and would announce, "You don't know what you're talking about" along with other Southernisms.

Delia was the mom, sister, aunt, and grandmother who would appear for support when it mattered. She loved humor, jokes, a good visit, and a belly laugh. If you knew her, you loved her. Her legacy includes being a friend to the friendless or helping meet people's needs without advertising or broadcasting her good deeds because her faith was the driving force while blessing others.

Survivors include her daughter Debbie Hale of Rome, son Mark Hibbard (Nellie) of Cartersville, daughter-in-law Rene Hibbard; her grandchildren Stacy Pearson, Brandy Hannah, Randi McSwain, Francie Brown, Hannah Hibbard, Levi Hibbard, Abby Gore, Moriah Hibbard, and Mirian Turrisi; great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Delia's family appreciates Misty Mitchell for being a special friend and caregiver over the past five years. She loved and cared for her deeply.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, July 24th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services chapel, where speakers Burch Fannin (nephew) and Mark Hibbard (son) will officiate. Music will include traditional songs passed down for decades that hold deep meaning for the family and will be sung by her niece, Trecia Twilley-Fannin. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in White, Georgia. Terry Powell, Eric Powell, Shane Brown, Matt Oram, Blake Fannin, Tyler Brown, and Casey Twilley will be pallbearers. Josiah Hannah and Joseph Smith will be honorary pallbearers. These gentlemen are asked to be at the funeral home by 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday.