Southern California wildfires have claimed the life of Dalyce Curry, a 95-year-old grandmother and actress remembered for her roles as an extra in iconic films like The Blues Brothers, Lady Sings the Blues, and The Ten Commandments.
Curry, affectionately known as “Momma D,” was found in the charred remains of her Altadena home on Sunday, January 12, the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed. The devastating discovery came days after her family began searching desperately for her.
“We prayed for a miracle,” her granddaughter Dalyce Kelley told ABC Eyewitness News. “But in our hearts, we feared the worst.”
According to Kelley, she last saw her grandmother late Tuesday night, dropping her off at home before the wildfires intensified. Early Wednesday morning, Kelley received a power outage alert from Curry’s residence. Alarmed, she rushed to the neighborhood, only to be stopped by police barricades.
“They told me her home was completely gone,” Kelley recounted. “I was directed to the Pasadena Civic Center to check for displaced residents, but she wasn’t there.”
By Friday, the grim reality set in. Accompanied by a National Guard member, Kelley visited the site of Curry’s home.
“It was total devastation. Everything was destroyed except her blue Cadillac,” Kelley said, her voice breaking.
Loree Beamer-Wilkinson, another granddaughter, described Curry as vibrant and active despite her age.
“You’d never believe she was 95. She was full of life and energy,” Beamer-Wilkinson shared. “Her loss is unimaginable.”
Curry’s brief but memorable appearances in Hollywood classics reflected her lifelong passion for storytelling and the arts. Her family described her as a cornerstone of their lives and community.
The Southern California wildfires have taken a catastrophic toll. At the time of writing, at least 24 lives have been lost, and countless homes destroyed. The Los Angeles County Fire Department continues to battle the flames, urging residents to heed evacuation orders.
Neighbors and friends have joined the Curry family in mourning. A small memorial has been set up outside the remains of her home, with candles, flowers, and a photo of Curry smiling.
“Momma D wasn’t just our grandmother; she was everyone’s grandmother,” Kelley said. “Her warmth and love touched so many lives.”
The family has requested privacy as they grieve and has set up a fund to support wildfire recovery efforts in her honor.
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