Darlene Kirkland

In loving memory of Darlene Kirkland, 70, of Memphis TN, born on January 26, 1953, in Rockwood, TN who peacefully left us on January 24, 2024, surrounded by her sons after a brief and brave battle with lung cancer. Darlene was a cherished mother, grandmother, companion, and friend, known for her love of life, infectious laughter, and an ability to captivate any room she entered. A true Southern woman, Darlene's essence was inseparable from her signature high heels, lipstick, mascara, and the lingering fragrance of her Royal Secret perfume.

Born to Vernal Kirkland and Wanda Sprague, Darlene grew up in East Tennessee, graduating from Roane County High School in 1971. While attending classes at Roane State Community College, her primary focus as a young mother was nurturing her two sons.

In her professional journey, Darlene always maintained her Tennessee Insurance Agent license, and worked as a Physician Office Assistant for Dr. Robert Ballard in Collierville, TN, for many years. She retired in 2023 after a two-decade career as an Executive Casino Host at Horseshoe and Fitz Casinos in Tunica, MS. She loved her profession, which made her the ideal host, as she treated her customers like family and spoke fondly of them.

Preceded in death by her parents, mother Wanda Sprague, and stepfather John Sprague; father Vernal Kirkland and stepmother Betty Jo Kirkland and her ex-husband Steve DePietro, father of Eric and Justin. Darlene is survived by her loving sons, Justin Crockett (Ronnie) of Mableton, GA, and Eric DePietro (Allison) of Dallas, GA; grandsons Dylan and Devin DePietro of Morristown, TN, and Zack DePietro of Dallas, GA; her life partner Chip Williamson of Memphis, TN; brother Andy Kirkland (Sherry) of Kingston, TN; sister Susie Curtis of Harriman, TN; sister Kristy Hopkins (Johnathon) of Knoxville, TN; sister Gail Greene of Houston, TX; and her soul-sister and best friend Diann Sanderson of Collierville, TN. She also leaves her 3 fur-babies and her parrot.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30pm Sunday March 3, 2024, at Simply Done Events 111 Walnut St Collierville, TN 38017. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Darlene’s memory. May her spirit live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.