Delores Burford

Delores Jackson Burford, affectionately known as Granny, Dee, or Mama Dee, departed this life on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the age of 89.

Delores was born on June 10, 1936, in Newark, New Jersey, to the late Ola Lee and Fred Jackson. She was the eldest of five children. She was raised in Baxter Terrace and later moved to Baldwin Avenue, where she married the love of her life, Miles Burford. Together, they shared a devoted and loving marriage, raising their family until his untimely passing.

Delores dedicated over 25 years of service to the Newark Board of Education before retiring. She later made her home at Parkside Manor, where she built lasting friendships with her senior community. She enjoyed shopping, traveling, bowling, and playing Pokeno. She especially loved her senior trips with the City of Newark and truly enjoyed being on the go and “running things.”

Delores was stylish, vibrant, and full of life. She loved her music, especially Mary J. Blige; and was truly the life of the party, always bringing joy, laughter, and love wherever she went.

Delores was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her warmth, strength, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her. She was known for her kindness, resilience, and sense of humor; always ready to party and make people laugh. She gave the best advice, often with a little sarcasm and a lot of love.

She had a deep love for her family and cherished every moment spent with them. She also enjoyed watching the Yankees, her favorite game shows and lots of sweets, simple pleasures that brought her happiness. She spent her final days surrounded by her daughter and grandchildren, embraced in love.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Miles Burford; her siblings, Mary Mangum and Edward “Sonny” Jackson; her daughters, Elonna Cook and Mary Burford; and her niece, Linda Ward.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Donna and Donald Jackson, Charlotte and Treacy Burford; her sister, Dorothy Ward; her sons-in-law, Tony Martin and Larry Keith; her grandchildren: Nicole Martin, Fuquan Hagler, Krystle and Brandon Bracey, Nicole Marie, Latyia, Avianne, Raionna, Davon, Sharon, Tamara, Jamal, William, Katrina, Kenneth, and Tiffany; along with her great-grandchildren: Imani (and great-great-grandchild Micah James), Nasir, London Brandon Jr., Deasia, Madison, Jihad, Jakiya, Jahmir, and Khalil; and a host of other loving relatives and dear friends.

Delores leaves behind an immeasurable legacy; one that will be cherished forever by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.