Born in Monett, MO, the oldest of Hubert & Dovie Adams, Darlene was a model daughter, sister, student, wife, registered nurse, mother, den mother, best friend and master gardener.
While in Junior High Band, she and her husband first met. Darlene played flute, Vernon, the oboe. As luck would have it, they sat together. Thus, she came to his attention as a beautiful, bright, and talented student. They fell in love.
She was an outstanding debater and orator, winning many contests, debating all four years in high school, even placing first in a national oratory competition in Waco.
Graduating in ’54, Darlene went to Springfield’s Drury College School of Nursing to fulfill her dream. The couple married on September 1, 1957.
Moving to Fayetteville, both attended University of Arkansas. She worked part time as a kindergarten nurse for children of the faculty and took architectural history courses while Vernon completed his studies.
Upon graduation, the couple moved to Vandenberg AFB. She became the school nurse for Santa Barbara County, providing health services to students. Towards the end of Vernon’s service, they had the first of three sons. Then, they returned to Missouri, settling in Liberty.
Darlene worked for 8 years in delivery at North Kansas City Hospital. During that time, two more sons arrived. When Liberty’s hospital opened, she transferred working faithfully for over 50 years, and was recognized for her service to the community.
Darlene loved plants and taking care of them. For that reason, Darlene is to be buried at the family farm, near the gardens that she tended. She requested that a walnut tree be planted at her grave. Vernon will eventually be buried next to her, sharing in the shade of that tree.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Vernon, three sons; Roger, his wife Cynthia Dahnke Reed, Alan, and David, his fiancée Aimee Meixiu Wang; her brother, Jim, (Tulsa), his wife, Mary Anne and his daughter Angie Adams; a cousin, Diane Plummer, (Springdale), and extended family members around the country.
In lieu of flowers, the Reed family requests that friends plant a rose bush. Darlene loved roses. This will allow you to share her love for roses and will serve as a reminder of her beauty.
Also the family requests you visit Darlene's website at https://darlenevernonreed.org
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