Darlene G. Handy

On May 29, 1932, in Hendrix, Oklahoma, God sent one of his angels to Adeline and Alfred. Her name was Darlene. As a young child, Darlene was a caregiver. She lovingly helped care for her brothers and sisters and was always there for the older family members who helped raise her. If someone needed a helping hand, Darlene was already on her way. Her caring spirit earned her several nicknames over the years, including "Send Gal," "Two Jack," and "Sidney" — names that always brought a smile to her family's faces whenever they were mentioned.

Being the oldest daughter meant there were always responsibilities waiting for her. Darlene fulfilled them all with love, determination, and honor. This made her very proud. Those same qualities stayed with her throughout her life. When she became a mother, she knew exactly what to do to care for her children. Darlene took great pride in raising her children to work hard, do the best they could, and always show respect to their elders.

Eventually, Darlene and her family moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma. During her time there, Darlene joined a softball team. She absolutely loved the game and always spoke about those days with joy. Although her time in Ardmore was brief, it was a special chapter in her life before she settled in Oklahoma City, the place she would proudly call home for the rest of her years.

To further her education, Darlene attended the Opportunities Industrialization Center, or OIC. Soon after, she enrolled in Pauls Beauty College to pursue something she truly loved — doing hair. She had a special gift for making people look and feel beautiful, and if you ever sat in her chair, you already knew she could do a hot comb press like nobody’s business! Darlene built a salon in the back of her house where she styled a host of customers and made many lasting memories.

A short time later, Darlene began working at Western Electric, which then became Lucent Technologies, and eventually AT&T. Darlene remained a faithful and dedicated employee until retirement.

Darlene enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved traveling, fishing, decorating, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and cooking. Darlene’s dressing and sweet potato pies were especially loved and remain family favorites to this day. She also loved taking drives to Lake Overholser, her favorite lake. If she could, she would have spent the entire day there, taking in the beauty, enjoying the peaceful surroundings, and simply soaking in the moment. Those quiet drives and peaceful days by the lake were among the simple pleasures that made Darlene happy.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Darlene, it was how much she loved her family. Her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she never missed an opportunity to brag about them. With a smile and a little laugh, she would proudly say, "I don't have no bad-looking kids or grandkids!" That was Darlene — always full of love, always proud of her family, and never afraid to let the world know it.

Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Wyman; two daughters, Paula and Marva; her parents; grandparents; three brothers; and two sisters.

Darlene leaves to cherish her memory her son, Carl (Cheryl); daughters Yvonne and Regina; three sisters, Irene, Mary Alice, and Mary Lois; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her grandson, Orlando, who made sure Darlene was safe, cared for, and never alone. His time, dedication, and compassion were a true blessing, and the family is forever grateful for all he did for her.

Visitation will be held at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73141, US, on July 23, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home on July 24, 2026, at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, 12813 NE 50th St, Spencer, OK 73084, US, on July 24, 2026.

Pallbearers will be Terrence Burton, Orlando Jackson, Charles Jackson, Carlos Woodard, Bryce Woodard, and Carl Burton Jr.