Delores "Dee" Serrano Raiford

Delores “Dee” Ann Serrano Raiford passed away peacefully in Tupelo, MS on August 4, 2026. She was a resident of Traceway Retirement Center. Dee was born on September 24, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Falba Davis Jones Johnson & George Springer, but later adopted by Rene Serrano. Dee graduated from Francis T. Nicholls High School in New Orleans, Louisiana then earned her degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. James B. Raiford, Sr., in 1957. Jim & Dee moved to various states as Jim completed his schooling. They served as pastor and wife at several churches and relocated for various professorships at Bible colleges and seminaries. They lived in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Florida, and Mississippi. Dee was best known for her joy, infectious laugh, encouragement of others and deep walk with the Lord. She was a loving, devoted wife and mother, pastor’s wife, mentor, Bible teacher, matchmaker, and prayer warrior for all. She left her mark on all those she came in contact with. Dee taught first grade for many years and was the beloved administrative assistant to her husband in both church and college settings. Before moving to Mississippi, she was a member of Hibernia Baptist Church in Fleming Island, Florida. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. James B. Raiford, Sr.; parents Falba Johnson and Rene Serrano as well as many other extended family members and friends. Left to cherish Dee’s memory are her treasured children, Rebekah Raiford Enochs (Wes), James Ballard Raiford, Jr. (Betsy) and Susanna Raiford Stephens (Luke); grandchildren James Enochs, Jon Enochs, Bailey Raiford, Patrick Raiford (fiancé Cierra), Ginny Stephens, William Stephens, and Peyton Raiford (Emme); great-grandson, Jake Jordan and her beloved sister, Joyce Sutton. A chapel service to honor Dee’s life will be held at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home in Gardendale, AL on Monday, August 10, 2026 at 2pm. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service time. She will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10am at a graveside service in the Penney Farms Cemetery in Penney Farms, FL. Visitation will be held for thirty minutes prior to the 10am graveside service.

Tributes

Delores "Dee" Serrano Raiford

September 24, 1936 - August 4, 2026