Elizabeth B. Delaney

Elizabeth Berry Delaney (b. September 13, 1882 – d. February 17 1964) a funeral home owner and operator and organization leader and clubwoman. Delaney married John W. Delaney on April 28, 1898. Their only child John W. Delaney Jr. was born in 1912. Delaney acquired a mortician's license in 1919 to help run her husband's funeral home business in Covington, Kentucky. After her husbands death Elizabeth became the sole owner of the funeral home and continued it's operation for nearly 40 years. Once her son joined the business the home was renamed E. B. Delaney and Son Funeral Home. The funeral expanded a second home in Cincinnati. Elizabeth was one of the first women to serve on the Board of Directors of the National Negro Business League and was an active member of the National Association of the Black Funeral Home Directors. Elizabeth was an active member in the State and Local Federation of Colored Women. In 1926 Delaney was elected the 11th president of the Federation of Colored Women club of Kentucky. Delaney was instrumental in establishing several chapters of the Order of Eastern Star and other civic organizations throughout northern Kentucky.