Delores Tate Brabham was born May 21,1941 in Washington, DC to the late Lillie Florence Calhoun Tate and Arthur Edward Tate. She was both a daddy’s girl and mama's little helper. She joined First Baptist Church of Deanwood as a child with her parents and was baptized into the faith.

After graduating from Spingarn Senior High School, she started her 55-year career as a secretary in the federal government, working for various agencies including the United States Information Agency and ending at the State Department. During her career, she was able to travel to Jamaica, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Hawaii. Delores was proud of the career she built and proud of her career accomplishments.

Three years after high school graduation, Delores married John Aaron Brabham in First Baptist Church. They had a cherished daughter, Katrina. Delores instilled in Katrina a love of reading, curiosity of the larger world and a love of people.

During her retirement, Delores enjoyed attending First Baptist, becoming a member of the Friendly Circle just like her mother. She also loved visiting and traveling with friends, 7Eleven's French Vanilla coffee, visiting libraries in the area, and growing indoor plants. She truly had a green thumb!

Delores was a faithful daughter and a supreme mother. She was also a great friend. She enjoyed her work and interacting with her coworkers.

After a long bout with kidney disease, God chose to give her rest. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Katrina of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a host of friends, neighbors, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to either the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund or the American Kidney Fund in Delores’ name.

Celebrating the Life of Delores Tate Brabham

Visitation - 10:00 a.m.

Celebration of life - 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, October 1, 2026

First Baptist Church of Deanwood

4408 Sheriff Road NE

Washington, DC 20019

Interment: Lincoln Memorial Cemetery