Darlene Bunton

Darlene (Derden) Bunton was born April 15, 1958, in Toledo, Ohio, to the late Erron and Mellon Derden.
She departed this life peacefully on March 7, 2025.
Darlene grew up on the northside (Stickney), where she attended Hamilton Elementary and Woodward H.S. She would later graduate from Libbey H.S., where she ran track and was a cheerleader along with her twin, Marlene. She was joined in matrimony by Ike T. Bunton, a military officer on May 3, 1978, and from that union they had two sons, Ikie Jr and William Andrew, along with a bonus son, Corvette. They traveled across the country, including TX, K, MO, and AK military bases. Upon returning home in 1986, she enrolled at Stautzenberger College in the Executive Secretarial program of Business. She achieved numerous accolades, which included advanced nursing certifications, STNA licensing, child day care and aid training, home health care, and CDL license. She worked for St. Anne Grady Facility, Swan Creek Retirement Village, US Postal Service, The Toledo Club, and E.O.P.A Head Start as a bus driver/child care attendant and teachers aid.
Darlene accepted Christ at the early age of 9 during her fathers time at Zion Church. She later found her passion for singing in the church. She grew to sing in choirs at different churches throughout her spiritual journey. Darlene could always be found singing! She would sing duets with her husband at Shiloh and Antioch Missionary Baptist church when visiting Buffalo N.Y., and later was even offered a record contract! She was also a finalist in the John Lennon songwriters' national contest, in which she finished 2nd for her song entitled "Heaven's Playground." Darlene also sang throughout Toledo over the years with St. James Holiness Choir, Rance Allen Choir at New Bethel Bountiful Blessings, Abundant Life Choir, Friendship Baptist Church Choir, and solo engagements around the city including True Light Church, but she last attended Perfecting Praise Church (Pastor Marvin Winans) in Toledo. She was always drawn to the house of the Lord!
Darlene loved to service her community. Working with organizations like Toledo Area Ministries, Toledo Art Museum, St James Holiness Church, and New Life Church. She served on usher boards and filled in on funeral services for those in need. She would often would pick up pregnant women at bus stops to give "shared" rides with her own vehicle. She often did yard work at home and around the neighborhood as she would say, "This is how I get my exercise," and wanted no help getting any of it done. She gave us her all as a mother of three boys, and her ability to warm a room with her smile was a gift in itself.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Erron Derden and Mellon Awls, her brothers, Erron Derden Jr., Glenn Derden, and sisters, Joyce Cooper, Marlene Butler (her twin). Darlene leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Corvette Derden, Ike Jr. Bunton, Andrew (Miese) Bunton, sister, Min. Kara Awls ( Pastor Emeritus Sylvester ), Brothers, Jeffrey Derden, Lamarr (Cindy) and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
"She taught us how to love with God's love, not just our own.
Now you can fly high! You & your twin will be truly missed."
Your sons - Corvette, Ikie, & Andrew.