Darla Kay Deese

Darla Kay Deese passed away from natural causes on January 4, 2026, at the age of 66, surrounded by her devoted caretakers at the Austin State Supported Living Center. Her health had been in decline over the preceding months, but her death came as a surprise to everyone.

Darla was born on January 26, 1959, in Beaumont, Texas, to Carl and Helen Deese, the youngest of four children. Her premature birth came with intellectual and developmental disabilities and an incredible inner strength and determination, which helped her navigate a challenging world as a child and adult with special needs. Darla was institutionalized until her beloved sister, Esther Hobbs, brought her home to live with her at age 36. To encourage Darla’s development, Esther established Darla’s Learning Center in 2003 in Houston for adult women with intellectual disabilities. The students were encouraged to express their creativity through art and develop skills through educational activities, community field trips, cooking together, and music. The school was a very successful model and was known to many in the community.

Sadly, Esther predeceased Darla in 2011, and Darla's care passed to her friend Nancy Hernandez, who became her successor guardian.

Darla loved hats, sunglasses, carrying a purse, collecting coins, playing cards, pens, and anything else she could grab and put into her purse. She enjoyed listening to country music, riding in the car, watching television, and spending time with her family and community.

Darla was preceded in death by her father, Carl Clifton Deese; her mother, Helen Frances Deese; her brother, Carl Allen Deese; and her sister, Esther E. Hobbs. She is survived by her sister, Carla Deese Goodwin; nephew Christopher J. Goodwin; and great-niece and great-nephew Melody Goodwin and Hunter Goodwin, all of Houston.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 9, with a 2 p.m. viewing and 3 p.m. funeral service at the All Faiths Chapel on the campus of the Austin State Supported Living Center, 2203 W. 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703.

A graveside burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont, Texas 77703. Esther Hobbs’ ashes will also be interred at the time of Darla’s burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Darla’s memory can be made to support the AuSSLC Family Guardian Association, P.O. Box 50326, Austin, Texas 78763, or the Rosedale Foundation, P.O. Box 301746, Austin, Texas 78703, www.therosedalefoundation.org.