Delphia Jolin Nakamura

Delphia Joline (Jo) Nakamura, 93, passed away on Sunday, June 11, 2023, in her home at Trinity Station Retirement Community in Flatwoods, Kentucky.  She was born January 26, 1930, on Brushy Fork near Alkol, West Virginia, to the late Sim and Delphia Vickers.

Jo loved growing up on the family farm on Brushy Fork, raising food, selling eggs, and roaming the forest. As a teen, she was inspired and encouraged by her family doctor to attend Berea College in Berea, Kentucky. She was the first in her family to go to and graduate from college and that led to further adventures. A college roommate, Sakiko Miyashiro, introduced her to a relative in the Army, Mitsuto Nakamura, leading to a wedding in Germany and a honeymoon in Switzerland in 1951. After Mits separated from the Army, they lived in Hawaii, where their first child was born. They eventually returned to West Virginia and Kentucky, where they raised their five children. Jo felt blessed that “this little girl from Brushy Fork” was able to see so many beautiful places.

Jo lived out her faith quietly and steadily every day. She loved to serve others and was an active volunteer. In addition to serving as a faithful member of the Ashland First Church of God (now Wildwood Church), she volunteered for the Ashland Seniors’ Center, Meals-on-Wheels, and American Red Cross. She loved to cook and was known for her ability to delight hungry crowds on a shoestring budget. She was especially famous for her homemade cinnamon rolls and pizza rolls.

In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Mitsuto, her caring son-in-law, James Ferguson, brother, Deryck, and sister, Simotha.

Jo’s five children - Vicki Wray (Jim) of Winchester, Ky., Mitsue Ferguson of Raceland, Alan Nakamura (Cathy) of Grand Rapids, Mi., Joy Rivers (Andy) of Ottawa, Canada, and Glenn Nakamura (Lisa) of Lakeland, Fla. -, as well as twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, will always remember her love of learning, her kindness, and her ready smile.

The family will hold a private memorial and appreciates the love and warm condolences shown by so many friends during this time. Those who wish to celebrate Jo’s life may consider donating to Berea College or another charity of their choice or volunteering to help someone in need.

Jo is truly home now.