Delphine Oehms Hamilton

Delphine “Del” Oehms Hamilton, 64, of Gretna, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, after a fierce battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and one of her pups. She was beloved by many and will be remembered for her caring heart and giving spirit. She was bigger than life in all the best ways. She loved fiercely, gave generously, welcomed everyone, and sprinkled joy everywhere she went—usually with a little glitter.

Del was born in Biloxi, Mississippi on January 17, 1962.

She often spoke fondly of her time playing clarinet (and other instruments) in the Biloxi High Indian Marching Band and growing up on the Coast. Del earned a BA in Library Science at Mississippi University for Women (The W), and a Masters in Library Science at the University of Southern Mississippi. During her time at The W she created life long friendships. She was proud to be part of the Long Blue Line. Returning to campus for reunions and to gather with W friends new and old which brought her much joy. She loved reading and books. She turned that passion into a career. She worked in many different library settings from training teachers in Michigan, leading statewide university collaborative projects and influencing international library system functionality while in Pennsylvania, as a contractor helping Tulane University Libraries recover from Hurricane Katrina, and finally as Tulane’s Associate Director for Collections Management.

Throughout all her life journeys she collected friends. She would bring them together to enjoy the adventure and connect with each other. She did not just make friends, she created a whole community. Whether it was rescuing dogs or creating community, Del made the world a better place one connection at a time. She loved everything about Mardi Gras-the costumes, floats, throws, balls, chaotic atmosphere, and maybe most of all, the people she met and befriended. She mastered the art of creating the personalized throw and spent the year glittering and gluing to hand out treasures from every parade she rode. She loved to hear from the people who caught her throws and became friends with many of them.

Del was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton Henry Oehms Sr. and Clara Cottrell Oehms; her sisters, Peggy Oehms, Rita Oehms McDaniel, and Marie Oehms Strange; and her brothers, Johnny Oehms and Clinton “Buddy” Oehms Jr.

She was met at the Rainbow Bridge by Misty, Stormy, Butter, Gizmo, Cookie, Peanut, Jelly, Kasey, Kody, Scooter Mack, Honey, Penny, and Echo.

She is survived by her pups, Dewey, Shadow, and Rainy; her beloved friend, Julia McGinnis; her brother, Glenn Oehms; her sister, Clara Carriveau (Robert); and many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on August 4, 2026 at 1pm at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 675 Howard Ave; Biloxi, MS 39530 Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12pm to 1pm. Interment will follow the service at Old Biloxi Cemetery, 1166 Irish Hill Dr; Biloxi, MS 39530. The service will also be streamed; the link will be available below.

The family would like to recognize and thank the staff at Touro Infirmary who showed incredible kindness, support, and grace during Del’s entire cancer journey. Thank you.

A second line and celebration of life will be planned in NOLA this fall.

Memorials can be sent to Snooty Giggles Dog Rescue https://checkout.square.site/merchant/23HFEKJHA12K5/checkout/SSRBXHCGSGLBWWV42ARFICSN and Scotties Rock Foundation https://scottiesrockfoundation.org/donate/.

Please spread a little kindness in Del’s memory and look for glitter in the wind!

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Delphine “Del” Oehms Hamilton.