I am sitting in our house alone. I don't like being alone. I haven't been alone in almost 52 years! My beloved, my other half, the center of my existence lies in a hospital bed. She doesn't communicate. She is closer to heaven than planet earth. Hospice tells me it won't be long. I am torn. I rejoice for her. I grieve for myself. There is an obituary form beside me. That little form can't contain my Darlene.
Who is this woman? She rolled into my life in the spring of 1972. She was a 14 year old woman/ child. I was intrigued, but had no idea she would transform my very existence. I could write a book the size of War and Peace about her . Pro.31:10"An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels." She was "an excellent wife"! I didn't even have to find her. She found me.
When she was 8 years old, she had a vision from God. She saw a picture of the man she was to marry. For six years, through multiple moves, she searched for that man. When she saw me, she knew she had found her man. I never had a chance. Like the Blues Brothers, she was on a "mission from God"! A half a century has come and gone. I testify that a life lived with her was worth more than the crown jewels of England, the Hope diamond and all the gold in Fort Knox.
The world will barely notice either of our passing. No buildings carry our names. We aren't important in the eyes of the world. We are two very ordinary people, who lived an extraordinary life. Because, we loved each other with a vengeance and a passion! Two very different people became one flesh.
Houses, churches, jobs came and went. The one constant was us. Darlene loved God, loved her husband, loved her children, loved her grandchildren! I can't think of a better eulogy than that! You will be missed.
Darlene was strong, courageous, loyal, kind, true and sexy. Your friends will miss you. Your family will really miss you! I, your husband, You have been everything to me! Words can't begin to express what I feel for you!
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Hamblen Memory Gardens in Morristown, Tennessee with Pastor Zach Davis officiating.
You are invited to share a personal memory of Darlene or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2412 Georgetown Rd NW P.O. Box 5057, Cleveland, TN 37311

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored