DeLana Elizabeth Rivers, age 65 of Mansfield Ohio passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following an extended illness. On April 28, 1961 she was born in Portsmouth, Ohio the daughter of James and Carolyne (Jones) Erwin. On February 14, 1988, she married James Rivers in Shelby Ohio and they shared 26 years together.
DeLana will be remembered for her kindness, strength, and unconditional love for her family. She will always be remembered for being an old soul, her unique style, and collection of shoes. She loved all things Victorian, which could be found all throughout her home and in a lot of the clothes that she wore.
Above all, her proudest and most treasured role in life was being a mother and grandmother. She was beyond excited to meet her great grandson. She found great joy and was super proud of all of her family and created lasting memories through her love, guidance, and devotion. Besides spending time with family, she loved shopping, watching movies, and collecting angels, which reflected her gentle and caring spirit.
She loved playing games, especially cards, specifically 3–13. She found great joy in playing cards with her daughter, grandkids, nieces, and nephews. Whether you were five years old or 50 years old, to her, rules were rules, and she showed no mercy. She was also a proud member of Zion’s refuge Baptist Church and the Gamma Beta Sorority. She loved Jesus, her church and her church family.
Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering love, will be deeply missed and forever, cherished by all who knew her
She has survived by her parents; daughter, Jessica (Scott) Stacy; grandchildren, Christian (Morgan), Mason, Hudson, Mariah and Jaxon Stacy; great grandson (due in June); sister, Veronica Erwin (Mike Detillion); sister-in-law, Violet Arthur; brother-in-law, Carl Rivers Jr.; nephew and nieces, Dustin (Tiffany) Erwin, Katie (Cory) Davis, Brittany (Ryan) Cains and Allyn (Jeremy) Bowman, numerous great nieces and nephews, extended family and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Rivers in July 9, 2014; grandparents, nephew, Scotty; five grandbabies and one great grandbaby.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 23, 2026 at 12:00PM at the Zions Refuge Baptist Church, 1400 Lucas Rd, Mansfield, Ohio 44907. Visitation will be held from 11:00AM-12:00PM. Pastor David Parsons will officiate.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org