Delores Jean Polston (Martin) Strayhorn

           Delores Jean Martin Polston Strayhorn was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, and wife during her incredible 86 years. She entered into her Heavenly home early Sunday morning May 1, 2022.

            Born on September 7, 1935 to Ella Mae Beasley Martin and John Reedy Martin in Maxton, NC. She later moved to Laurinburg to raise her family with her husband Malcolm (Mack) and ventured into entrepreneurship. Together they owned and operated the Amber House Restaurant and later J-Mart, a convenient store that prided itself in serving the best hotdogs this side of heaven, as described by her loyal patrons.

            Mema, as she was known by many, especially her grandchildren and great grand-children, taught her family the meaning of love, generosity, grace, humility, kindness, and how to laugh at ourselves. Every greeting was “hey baby” and you were sure to hear an “I love you” at the end of every phone call or visit. She was the true epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman, from the top of her well-coiffed hair all the way down to her stylish outfit. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, people watching and spending time with her family. Often times you could catch her singing cute little songs like “I love you a bushel and a peck”. She was a longtime and faithful member at East Laurinburg Church of God. When she couldn’t attend in person, she would watch online when given the chance.

            She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and father of her children Malcolm Polston, her husband Leo Strayhorn, her son Alvin Polston, grandson Michael Wayne Polston, and her sisters Dorothy Langley Moore (Dot) and Doris Ann Martin Perkins. Left to cherish her memories are her brother Donald Martin (Marilyn) of Red Springs NC, son Mike Polston (Brenda) of Laurinburg; daughters, Cynthia Caulder (Wayne) of Laurinburg and Donna Harvel (Ron) of Boiling Springs Lake, daughter-in-law Sandra Polston of Dunn; grandchildren, Jay Carden (Stephanie), Michelle German (Ray), Ronnie Seals (Valerie), Stacey Polston, Tara McAllister (Steve), Travis Polston (Nicole), and Aleah Maranda Carden, 13 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way.

            There will be a celebration of life visitation starting at 10 o’clock am at East Laurinburg Church of God, 16620 Andrew Jackson Highway, Laurinburg, NC, followed by her home going service at 11 0’clock on Saturday, May 7, 2022 officiated by Pastor Brett Davis.   Burial will follow in  Oak Grove Cemetery.

            Memorial donations may be given in her memory to the East Laurinburg Church of God or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

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