Laura Delilah Way

It is with deep love and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our matriarch, Delilah Collingsworth Way, who peacefully entered eternal rest at the age of 90 on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Born October 24, 1935 in the beautiful mountains of Blackwater, Virginia, Delilah moved to Hinesville as a young adult. It was there she met the love of her life, Raleigh S. Way, Sr. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work, owning and operating The Midway Oil Company and The Hinesville Gas Company for decades. They successfully managed these businesses with the help of countless loved and loyal employees - too numerous to mention - but whose hard work and dedication kept the business wheels turning flawlessly. The backbone of their bookkeeping operations was meticulously orchestrated by the dedicated work of Mr. Wyman May, Mrs. Ann Grimaud, Mrs. Louise Wells, and Mr. Charles Bragg, who all became like family, and whose years of service were appreciated beyond any measure.

A true Southern Lady with a heart of gold, Delilah was the cornerstone of her family, and a force of nature, who lived her life with purpose, grit, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved. 

Delilah was defined by her remarkable strength of will and determination. A hard-working woman of the highest standards, she possessed a no-nonsense approach to life and an honest wit that her family and friends grew to cherish. She expected the best from herself and those around her, guiding her loved ones with a firm hand and a compassionate soul. 

Delilah was known for her boundless generosity. Her giving nature extended beyond her family and into the community where she quietly looked for ways to support those in need. Her greatest joy was found in cooking. 

To know Delilah was to be well fed. A master of the kitchen, her greatest pleasure was hosting gatherings where the table groaned under the weight of delicious food, and the air was filled with laughter and good humor. To have dined at Delilah’s table was not merely a meal, but an experience of the true expression of her love and gracious Southern hospitality.

Delilah was a woman of unwavering faith and devotion. As a longtime member of Elim Baptist Church, she shared a deep love for the Lord with friends and families there for many years. Her faith was the compass that guided her straight-forward approach to life and her honest expressions.

Delilah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raleigh S. Way, Sr., 5 brothers and 3 sisters, a sister-in-law, Cynthia Way Holt, step-son, Peyton Way, step-daughter, Beth Way Pearl, and her beautiful 1 st born granddaughter, Pam Way Hester.

She is survived by her daughter, Laura Kay Way, son, Raleigh S. Way, Jr., brother, Paul Collingsworth, sister, Madge Bledsoe, daughter-in-law, Cathy Way Lyons, granddaughter, Shelby Roberts, grandson, Jon Pearl, great-grandchildren, Trey Hester, Reece, Rylee, and Sheppard Roberts, a special grandkitty, Abby Cat, and countless loving and loyal nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her lifelong commitment to her faith and generous heart, the family kindly suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Elim Baptist Church. 6650 Elim Church Road, Ludowici, GA 31316.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Elim Baptist Church at 1 p.m.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Elim Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Howard officiating.

Burial will immediately follow the service in the Elim Baptist Church Cemetery.