Edith Northcut

Darlene Northcut, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at her home in Robinson on September 17, 2019. A visitation with the family will take place at Pecan Grove Funeral Home on Saturday September 21 from 3-5 pm. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held 10am Saturday Sept. 28, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home, with Rev. Jerry Freedman officiating.

Darlene was born at home in Shep, TX on June 17, 1934, to Theron (Red) and Anita Talley. The Talley family later moved to Abilene, where Darlene graduated from Abilene High School in 1952. After graduation, she moved to Lubbock where she worked as a telephone operator for AT&T. While working in Lubbock, Darlene met Beade Northcut, who would become the love of her life. The couple married November 10, 1960 in Lubbock, Texas and began their partnership and adventure that lasted her lifetime.

Beade and Darlene had four children in the first five years of their marriage. They also moved thirteen times in their first fourteen years together. As the Chief Operating Officer of the Northcut family, Darlene’s roles and passion centered on her family where she served as chauffer, chef, nurse, special project coordinator, event planner, musical ambassador, interior designer, emergency management coordinator, and correctional officer. Darlene perfected the art of multi-tasking before there was even a word for it - Girl Scouts, 4-H, music lessons, church activities, PTA, youth sports, Robinson Band Boosters, and whatever else her active family needed.

The family made their last move to Robinson in 1974. It was here Darlene had the opportunity to cultivate her own artistic talents. She sang soprano in the church choir. She enjoyed ceramics, oil painting, stained glass, and floral design.

Darlene always held a special place in her heart for her West Texas home and Texas Tech University where she was the proud recipient of both a Bachelors and a Masters in Supportive Education in partial recognition of the 20+ degrees earned or in process by her family.

Darlene was very proud of her ten grandchildren and great grand-daughter. Any casual conversation with Darlene would invariably include a summary of their many activities and accomplishments. Her grandchildren, who simply knew her as Memaw, were blessed by her many cards, letters, gifts and words of encouragement. She celebrated her life by celebrating every aspect of theirs.

Beade and Darlene were blessed to have the opportunity to travel near and far, but always together. They especially enjoyed celebrating many anniversaries with friends and family in Branson. She enjoyed living with the love of her life for almost 59 years.

Darlene never met a stranger, she always met a new friend. She will be remembered for her generosity, hospitality, cooking, laugh, wit, and comedic sense of timing. Darlene loved many and all who knew her, loved her.

Darlene stepped into eternity September 17, 2019. Her final resting place will be near the family ranch in Shep, Tx. She was preceded in death by her parents Theron and Anita Talley and her sister, Yvonne Ward. Darlene is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Beade; her sister Millie Northrup; children Cheryle Tyson and husband Bob, David Northcut and wife Claire, Mark Northcut, and Kristi Johnson and husband Russell; grandchildren Stephen Northcut and wife Rhea, Nicolas Northcut, Cliff Johnson, Armand Northcut, Jake Johnson, Shannon Northcut, Willem Northcut, Mari Kate Northcut, Jack Tyson and Lars Northcut. Darlene had one great grand-daughter, Eleanor Northcut.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be directed to Mission Waco, 1315 N. 15th Street, Waco Texas 76707, (254)-753-4900 or the Salvation Army-Waco, P.O. Box 268, Waco, Texas 76703.

The family would like to express the deepest appreciation to the staff and nurses from Visiting Angels and Bluebonnet Healthcare and Hospice for the dedicated and passionate care provided to Darlene during her final days.