Della Mae Fairley Hampton

Our Queen, The Matriarch

Della Mae Fairley Hampton, a beloved matriarch, passed away in D'Iberville, Mississippi, on April 23, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on December 1, 1937, in Bendale, Mississippi, she led a life defined by love, strength, and an unwavering spirit.

Della dedicated a significant portion of her career as a domestic at Keesler Air Force Base, where her kindness and dedication were felt by all she served. Her warmth extended well beyond her work; Della was a fun-loving, joyful person who cherished time with her family and friends. She enjoyed spiritual dancing and praising the Lord, activities that brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Della had a profound love for gardening and cooking, often preparing meals for her family from even the simplest of ingredients—a testament to her creativity and nurturing spirit, and playing Bingo at Infinity Funeral Home.

She fought a good fight throughout her life, overcoming challenges with grace and uplifted by her strong faith. Della's legacy is carried on by her devoted family, which includes her brothers Kenneth (Darlene) Fairley of Lawton, Oklahoma, and James (Sandra) Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; her sisters Margie Slaughter of Chicago, Illinois, Alice Fairley of Chicago, Illinois, Raebel Johnson of Gulfport, Mississippi, and Christina Galloway of Killeen, Texas; and her cherished children: Sarah Williams (Vancleave, Mississippi), Lori Bolden (Brunswick, Georgia), Lillian Hampton (D'Iberville, Mississippi), Madeline Hampton (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), Debra Hampton (D'Iberville, Mississippi), Darvin Hampton (Leaksville, Mississippi), Rose (Michael) Patyton (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), and Alexis Hampton (D’iberville, Mississippi).

Della adored her grandchildren, of whom there are 30, and the joy of her great-grandchildren, numbering 56, and great-great-grandchildren, 15 in total, who were a source of pride and happiness for her.

She also embraced many through her heart and guidance as a godmother to Rev. Kenneth Hollins, and as an adopted mother figure to Marcell Fairley, Angela Wells, Corrine McClain, Ethel Wheathersby, Doris Burney, Sabra Knight, Lora Triplett, and Joseph Bates. Her devoted nieces Diedra Jackson and Gayva Baldwin Cannon, devoted nephew Wesley L. Fairley, were important parts of her life, further enriching her family's connections.

Della was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oscar Lee Hampton, her parents Andrew Jackson Fairley Sr. and LethaBell Galloway, as well as her grandmother Letha A. Tillman Jones. She also mourned the loss of several siblings, including Andrew Jackson Jr., Jessie Dewitt Fairley, Addison Fairley, Millard Fairley, Wendell Fairley, Kendall Galloway, Henry Galloway, Jack Galloway, Early B. Galloway, Gaines Galloway, Rena Mae Stewart, Gladys Fairley, Minnie Golf, and Flora Abston. Additionally, her stepsons Eddie Hampton and William Hampton, step-daughter Hattie Hampton, alongside her daughter Darlene Hampton Hughes and son Robert Lee Hampton, as well as her daughter Naomi Hampton Williams, predeceased her. She will be remembered fondly by her grandchildren William Jackson Jr., Eric Wendell Hampton, and Sean Carter.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on May 3, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at New Light Baptist Church in Vancleave, Mississippi, starting at 11:00 AM. Della Mae Fairley Hampton will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, resilience, and devotion will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Infinity Funeral Home extends our condolences to the family of Della Hampton.  For inquiries, call 228-436-6722.