Mrs. Delores A. (Martin) Esprit, age 88, of Xenia, went Home to be with the Lord Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born April 27, 1937, in Port Arthur, Texas, the daughter of Howard and Sylvia (Chassion) Martin.

She is survived by daughters: Sylvia G. Kelley; Anita Y. Jefferson; Karen D. (Cleo) Watts; and Velma (Byron) Garnes; sons: Lee G. (Jane) Esprit III, Michael W. Esprit, Darryl J. Esprit; Jonathan K. Esprit, and Maj. Bryan M. Esprit; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter; siblings: Geneva Prevost (Nelson) and Verlis Clark; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Dr. Lee G. Esprit, Jr., on May 20, 2025; and their son, Reginald F. Esprit; grandson: Lee G. Esprit IV, and siblings: Betty Washington and Alfred Martin.

She graduated from Lincoln High School, Port Arthur, Texas, and earned her bachelor's degree from Prairie View A&M University. Mrs. Esprit was a lifelong educator, specializing in special education. She taught at various schools, including Sacred Heart in Kansas and Dayton Public Schools. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and collecting clowns. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia. The time of reflection will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 312 Fairgrounds Road, Xenia. Burial to follow in St. Brigid Cemetery, Xenia.

You can make online expressions of sympathy to the family at www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com.