Frances "Darlene" Seberry

Darlene Seberry of Merritt Island, Florida, died peacefully on January 26, 2024, at the age of 83.

She was born on July 21, 1940, to Thomas and Ethel Burke in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was the youngest of three. Having two older brothers, she often credited her early life with instilling a strong work ethic and a love of caretaking in her. As a child, she spent a lot of time with her maternal grandmother, whom she was extremely close with.

She and her first husband Robert Grimm had five children: Mark, Michael, Daniel, Colleen, and Paul. Despite her small stature, Darlene was undoubtedly a mom in charge! With 5 small children, 4 of them rowdy boys, the family would often comment she had, “the patience of a saint.” She was involved with scouting for many years, becoming the first female Pack Co-Leader for Pack #870. Darlene also worked for Keystone Oaks School District for over 20 years, first as a secretary for the Cafeteria Director, and then moving to the Bookkeeping Department. She and Robert divorced shortly before his passing in 1989.

In 1990, Darlene married Tom Seberry and gained 5 stepchildren: Tom, Larry, Betsy, Mary, and Jim. The couple lived in Merritt Island, Florida. They enjoyed traveling cross-country, making several trips to both the West and East Coasts of the United States and Canada. She hosted all holidays and delighted in a houseful of family, friends, and laughter. She loved spending her afternoons playing cards with her sister-in-law, Georgia.

Darlene was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Church. She loved nature and animals, enjoying her garden and houseplants. Dogs were always part of the family, and she supported several animal rescues. She did a crossword puzzle faithfully every day, loved a good movie, and all things Irish. She was immensely proud of her family and was a fiercely loyal friend to many. She always had time for a cup of coffee, to sit and listen or share a good laugh. Known for her bright blue eyes and kind smile, Darlene will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her five children Mark Grimm, Michael (Melissa) Grimm, Daniel (Sarah) Grimm, Colleen (Gary) Broadwater, and Paul (Karen) Grimm, her stepchildren Tom (Julie) Seberry, Larry Seberry, Betsy (Steve) Swichkow, and Jim Seberry, grandchildren Maya, Gabrielle, Tony, Josephine and Magnus, step-grandchildren Tom, Gary, Allina, TJ, Kristen, Courtney, Steve, David, Joshua, Natalie, Nathan, Jimmy, Austin, and 8 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cousin, Ethel “May” Acton, her sister-in-law, Kay Burke, a niece and 2 nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews and cousins from Pittsburgh to California. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents, Thomas and Ethel; her brothers, Vincent and Don; her stepdaughter, Mary; and her stepdaughters-in-law, Julie and Thanh.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at the Wylie Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N. Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL. The funeral will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 12 p.m. at the funeral home followed by the burial at Florida Memorial Gardens Cemetery. All expressions of sympathy, including flowers, honorary donations to your local animal shelter, and cards are welcome.