Mrs. Delores Elaine Garris, 67, passed away December 26, 2012 at her home. "Sistah" as she was affectionately known, was a Chesapeake, Virginia native and resided in New Haven, CT for the past 45 years. She is the daughter of the late Linwood and Betty Hill of VA.

Mrs. Garris trail-blazed the integration of the C & P telephone company as one if the company's first African-American business office employee in the 1960s. Later, she worked as a Librarian for Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT and for the Choate Rosemary Hall preparatory high school in Wallingford, CT.

Mrs. Garris was a dedicated wife, mother, and church member. She thoroughly enjoyed attending theatrical performances with her husband, reading poetry, and playing the piano. When not working, she delighted in her role as a stay-at-home mom for her sons. She was a faithful member of New Central Baptist Church in her adolescence and of several church homes as an adult.

She leaves to cherish her memory, loving husband, Dr. Lonnie Garris Jr.; sons, Lt Col Lonnie Garris III (Kimberly) of VA, Aaron C. Garris of CT; brothers, Rev. Linwood Hill Jr. (Virginia), David Hill (Patricia), Jerome Hill (Michelle) all of VA.; sisters, Evelyn Bess (Allen), Beverly Jackson, Bettie Hill, Teresa Wilson (Edward) all of VA.; grandson, Lathan Garris of VA.; best friend Saundra Stephenson (Nathaniel) of CT, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 4, 2013 at New Central Baptist Church, 700 Walker Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23523. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held Thursday from 3pm – 7pm at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake, where the family will receive friends from 6pm – pm. Condolences can be offered to the family at www.pretlowandsons.com