Aubrey Darnell Black

Aubrey Darnell Black, known simply as “Darnell,” was born on October 20, 1954 in Odessa, Texas, to Helen Marie Shepard. He departed his worldly home on December 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Darnell attended Blackshear Elementary School in Odessa, historically known as an all-Black school in Ector County. After leaving Odessa, his family spent a short time in Denver, Colorado, then Roswell, New Mexico, before finally settling in Tucson, Arizona on Christmas Day in 1968.

Darnell loved sports throughout middle school and high school—but we all know it was his trash talking that really stood out, both on and off the field. He graduated from Tucson High School in 1974 and later joined the United States Army in August 1975, proudly serving three years in Germany as an Armor Unit Supply Specialist.

When he returned home, Darnell worked in many different places over the years, including the Department of Corrections, Fry’s, doing stucco work, and most recently as an usher at the Tucson Community Center. No matter what job he had, what always stayed the same was his big heart, his love for people, and his commitment to serving others.

Darnell had a true servant’s spirit. He was the life of any party and the biggest supporter for his friends and family. He never met a stranger and continuously poured love into everyone around him and anyone who truly knew him understands what his mom meant when she always said: “You just have to let Darnell be Darnell.”

In 2005, Darnell rededicated his life to Christ and became a proud member of Rising Star Baptist Church, where his pride and joy was singing with the Men’s Chorus—second only to his love for the Raiders of course!

Darnell is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Shepard; stepfather, Carlton Shepard; and aunt and uncle, Callie Mae and Jessie Howard. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers Gary Black (Brenda) and Ron (Sherrie) Shepard; sisters Henrietta Shepard and Daphne (Mitch) Langston; and his cousin Larry (Wynette) Howard and their son Jamaal. He also leaves to mourn his favorite niece, Ahsaki (Kiki); nephews Gary Darnell (Mack), Andre, Troy, Mitch, JJ, Matthew and Ron; along with a host of other loving family members and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 10, 2026, at Rising Star Baptist Church, 2800 E. 36th St., Tucson, AZ 85713, with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. His legacy lives on in all of us—in the stories we tell, the jokes and laughter we share, and most of all, the love he poured into everyone around him.

Rest well, Darnell. You fought a good fight.