Delia Norde''s Obituary
“Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart will
rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”
~ John 16:22 ~
With hearts filled with love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of
Delia Lois Green Nordé —a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved
sister, aunt, educator and friend. She was a woman of unwavering faith, boundless
generosity and an indomitable spirit, whose legacy will continue to shine through
the lives she touched.
Born on April 20, 1946 at the Old City Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri and raised
in East St. Louis, Illinois, Delia was the third of four children born to Milton T.
Green, Sr. and Autherine K. Green. She was born at a time that proved a turning
point in black resistance to legal segregation in America and she would eventually
see the birth of the Civil Rights Movement. The climate of “change” would help
shape her early years, instilling in her a determined spirit and a deep sense of
purpose and pride. Moreover, her family’s strong foundation of faith and education
guided her path and she embraced both with steadfast devotion.
Delia attended Washington Elementary School and the legendary Lincoln Senior
High School in East St. Louis. To classmates, she would be known as “Dee”,
short for Delia but as she blossomed in her social life at Lincoln, she would be
crowned the bonus nickname “Blue” after she and her girlfriends formed the
group “The Blue Jean Girls”. Delia pursued higher education at Southern Illinois
University Carbondale, before returning home to welcome the greatest blessing of
her life—her son, Derek Gene Nordé. As a young mother, she was determined to
create the best life for him and soon after she went back to school and earned
both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling from SIU
Edwardsville.
A dedicated educator, Delia poured her heart into shaping young minds. She
believed in the power of education to transform lives and was committed to
ensuring her students felt seen, heard and uplifted. As a counselor, she
exemplified the teachings of Proverbs 31:26 “She opens her mouth of wisdom
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue”. Her impact extended beyond the
classroom- she nurtured countless families, offering guidance, wisdom and love.
Faith was the cornerstone of Delia’s life; she raised Derek at Mount Zion
Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, one of the city’s most historic
congregations and lived by the principles of grace, humility and service. Delia
also sang with the famed “Voices Of Zion”. Her strong moral compass and
unwavering belief in God carried her through life’s challenges, always with hope and
gratitude.
Delia’s love for her family knew no bounds. She adored her only grandchild,
Dr. Jordyn Chanel Nordé, who brought immense joy and pride into her life. She
never missed an opportunity to celebrate Jordyn’s achievements, always sharing
stories of her granddaughter’s brilliance and kind spirit. Derek and Jordyn were
the light of her life—her angels—who stood by her side, especially in her final
years and days, surrounding her with love, laughter and gospel music that filled
her soul with peace.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents and siblings, Carolyn E. Love,
Dr. Linda L. Green and Milton T. Green, Jr. Though she mourned their loss, she
found solace in the unbreakable bond they shared.
Delia’s vibrant spirit will live on through: her devoted son ~ Derek Gene Nordé;
her cherished granddaughter ~ Dr. Jordyn Chanel Nordé; and the many loved
ones she leaves behind: nieces ~ Gina Moore, Melina Fykes, Katherine Green,
Patricia Green and Regina Love; nephews ~ Terrill K. Love, Gregory L. Love, Mil
ton T. Green, III and Artemis Fykes; great nieces ~ Amina Green, Jasmine Moore,
Shayna Moore and Elizabeth Green; great nephew ~ Elijah Green; goddaughter ~
Michelle.
A woman of grace, warmth and resilience, Delia was a beacon of love to all who
knew her. She lived fully, traveled often, loved to dance, laughed deeply and embodied
kindness in all she did. She taught us the power of faith and the beauty
of selflessness. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in
knowing she is reunited with her beloved family and resting in the arms of the Lord.
Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest well, Delia. You
were deeply loved, and you will be forever missed.
“Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her work bring her praise at the
city gate”
~ Proverbs 31:31 ~ om—she nurtured countless families, offering guidance, wisdom and love.
What’s your fondest memory of Delia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Delia?
Share a story where Delia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Delia you’ll never forget.
How did Delia make you smile?
