Loretta Grissom Eastman Delburn

Loretta Grissom Eastman Delburn was born July 31, 1933 in Bone Cave, TN and died February 13, 2026 in Hilton Head, SC. Loretta was the second of seven children born to the late Velma and Lee Grissom. Preceding Loretta in death were brothers, David and Paul Grissom and sister, Bonnie Lou Mosley. Surviving siblings include brothers, Lloyd and Joel Grissom and sister, Ruby Wilcher.

Loretta married James “Jim” R. Eastman in May 1950, and together they had four children: Devon Eastman (Mark) Levy of Hilton Head Island, SC, Charles Kent (Sandra) Eastman of Bartonville, TX, James Chris (Karen) Eastman of Chattanooga, TN, and Robert Bruce (Jeri) Eastman of Slidell, LA, all of whom she loved without limit; grandchildren, Joshua (Alexis) Chandler, Brad (Tiffany Adams) Eastman, John (Kelcie) Eastman, Jack (Summer) Eastman, Mary Kathryn (Tyler O’Con) Eastman, Karen Levy, Sam (Andrea) Levy, and Daniel (Sara) Levy and great-grandchildren, Ella Chandler, Aiden Eastman, Lorelai Eastman, Cason Eastman, Emmy Eastman, Sydney Levy, Jordan Levy, Molly Levy, Chason Levy and Leyton Levy.

Jim Eastman died in 1990, after a lengthy battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. Loretta cared for him in their home until his death. Loretta and Jim were happily married for forty years.

On January 29, 1994, Loretta married Ernest Delburn. After twenty-three years of marriage, Loretta again cared for her husband in their home until his death November 7, 2017.

Loretta was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend. She loved and cared for two husbands through their deaths and was very much the matriarch of her large and loving family.

Loretta, “Mema,” was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church. Her faith was strong and unwavering; she instilled these beliefs in each of her children and shared her faith with everyone through her words, her actions, and her presence. She will be remembered for her determination, strength, faith, love, devotion and humor.

Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026 at Northside Baptist Church, 959 54th St., Columbus, GA  31904.  A graveside service and interment will be 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, at Long Cemetery in Van Buren County, TN.  Serving as pall bearers will be Brad Eastman, Joshua Chandler, John Eastman, Jack Eastman, Cason Eastman, Tyler O'con, Sam Levy and Daniel Levy. There will be no visitation at High's as family and friends will meet at Long Cemetery for the graveside service.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.