Obituary for Delores Lee (Matlock) Young-Hood

Sunrise September 21, 1932 --- Sunset August 24, 2025

Mrs. Hood lived a life of purpose, filled with love, service, and joy. From the beginning, she was guided by a heart for others, serving selflessly as a foster parent to children in need of immediate placement. Her home was a safe haven to both short-term and special long-term placements, many of whom became an inseparable part of her large family.

Delores began her early career as a cosmetologist, where she built lasting friendships and was admired for her skills in hairdressing. Later, she became an LPN, with a special love for working in the nursery—all while raising nine children and many other within her family and the community.   Her beautiful voice led her to perform with a jazz band that traveled throughout the Southeast Missouri corridor, sharing the gift of music wherever she went. In addition, Mrs. Hood and her sister, Catherine Reed—known together as The Matlock Sisters—were cherished for their harmonious duets, often invited to sing at church programs and community gatherings throughout the region. 

She generously gave of her time as a volunteer, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader for her daughters and as a docent at the Poplar Bluff History Museum. Her greatest passion, however, was her church, Brown Chapel AME Church. There, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly, involving her children and grandchildren in church activities from an early age. Over the years she faithfully served as a Stewardess, Deaconess-Mother, member of the Women’s Lay Organization, Church School Superintendent, lead food director in the kitchen (where her wonderful cooking was shared with all), member of the Usher Board, choir member, and as part of the Finance Board of the Northside Community Center. She also served on the Center’s Board of Directors. Her loyalty, her service, and her song enriched her community and her church family deeply.

Delores is survived by her children: F. Dianne Young, Vicki Young (John Williams), Samuel Hood III, and Peggy Valleck. She leaves behind many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She is also survived by her siblings Robert Matlock Jr., Joann Turner Hooten (Edward), Melvin Lee Prichett (Mary), and Patricia Kay Maltbia.

She was preceded in death by her children Charlette Renee Young, William Dennis Young, Reginald Leon Young, Dorothy Virginia Hood, and Phillip James Hood; her parents Robert Matlock Sr. and Ruth Prichett; (Stepfather, Knobel Prichett) and her siblings Dorothy Virginia Matlock, Catherine Reed (Clifton), Peggy Ruth Thomas, Knoble Prichett Jr., and Danny Carl Prichett.

Delores loved people and the sound of life around her—she never cared for quiet. Her home was always open, like a revolving door, filled with family, friends, and laughter. She delighted in garage sales, where her skillful bartering often wore sellers down to the lowest possible price, much to her amusement.

Her passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Delores was truly the glue that held family and friends together, and her love, laughter, presence and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed.

Services for Delores will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church, 1875 Speedway Drive, Poplar Bluff MO 63901. Public viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Poplar Bluff Cemetery. A repast will be held at Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church  immediately after the burial.

Edwards Funeral Home, 606 Walnut, Doniphan MO 63935--573-996-2121 FAX: 573-996-2225.  Spencer Hedgepeth, Mike Jackson