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In Memory

Darlene Happel (Pearce)

Darlene Happel (Pearce)

Darlene Happel Pearce passed away peacefully on April 23, 2019 at home surrounded by the immense love of her family and friends. She remained beautifully strong and courageous through the progression of her diagnosis of Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia. Her love and sparkle for others will always be remembered and treasured. A beautiful blessing to all who knew her and especially to her family and friends who loved her tremendously. To be loved by Darlene was to be loved perfectly and with pure joy.

 

Darlene is survived by her loving husband of 13 years Joseph R. Pearce, her daughter Debbie Dupre (Allen) and son Doug Lyon (Tammy); daughters Holly O'Donnell and Susan Ax (David). She adored her grandchildren who loved her as their "Graggy":  Kelly Michelle and Allison Lewis; Lauren Thomas (Dane), Jordan Lewis (Cecil), Katie Lyon, and Randy Odom (Kaitlyn); Sara Dupre and Michael Dupre (Courtney); Pearce, Margaret, and Stephen O'Donnell; and Michael and Emery Ax and her beautiful six great grandchildren. She is predeceased by husbands Goodwin L. Myrick and the father of her children Larry B. Lyon; and grandson Ryne Odom.

 

Darlene was born in St Louis, Missouri on July 12, 1941 to Henry and Ruth Happel and moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was a graduate of Will Rogers High School class of 1959 as a class favorite and class beauty. She was a member of Chi Omega Sorority and majored in music at Oklahoma State University and attended Julliard School of Music in New York City. Darlene taught music at Fledgling School at MAFB, was a Mary Kay Consultant, and retired from Central Bank (now BBVA Compass Bank) as Vice President of Sales. Darlene loved the travels and adventures she experienced and the lifelong friendships she also made within the Air Force and ALFA Insurance.

 

Visitation will be held at Saint James United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, April 26 from 12:30 - 2:00 PM with a celebration of Darlene's beautiful life at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Monday, April 29 at 10:00 AM. Pallbearers will be Steven Bass, Michael Dupre, Cecil Lewis, Donald Mack, Randy Odom, Pearce O'Donnell and Dane Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers will be The Will Rogers Class of 1959 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, David Ax, David Bates, James Bouler, Walter Givhan, Parke Hinman, Claud Neilson, William Rankin, James Sulzby, William Turnipseed, and John Cox Webb. Special love and appreciation to Cindy Johnson and Cathy Johnson who showered her with the most perfect love and care. Donations may be made to Saint James United Methodist Church, Camp Ryne YMCA, or the Alzheimer's Association.

 

 
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04/25/19 01:34 PM #1    

Beth Abdo (Dennis)

I loved my friend Darlene from the time we first met at University Methodist Church when we both were four years old.  She was one of the kindest, most sincere people i've ever known.  She always came in early for all our reunions so she could help.  And+ help she did.  I don't care what silly skit Fred and I had devised, she was ready to do it! 

But the thing I will always remember was her love for her friends.  She made you feel good just to be near her.

So, goodbye for awhile, sweet friend.  You have left a hole in my heart for now but I have no doubt we will meet again.


04/25/19 02:49 PM #2    

Janice Pitchford (Sharp)

I did not have the opportunity to really get to know Darlene in high school but always thought she was a beautiful friendly girl.   I extend my sincere sympathy to her family and dear friends.  I remember her kindness at the reunions and how fun she was to be around.   Such a beautiful, caring person. 

Janice Pitchford Sharp


04/26/19 06:07 PM #3    

Rosalee (Rose) Harlan (Gray)

It is so sad to hear that sweet Darlene has passed away. She was my next door neighbor since 6th grade. She was a delightful friend and we shared many experiences and remained friends even into our years at Oklahoma State. I recall that Darlene ran for Class Treasurer at Bell Junior High during our 9th grade year. I was her "campaign manager" and made lots of posters and campaign buttons. Another memory is when Darlen invited my  5 year old neice, Celia Sorge, to be her flower girl at her wedding. This was in the early '60s, Darlene was a glowing, beautiful bride; I have a large photograph from the wedding with little Celia and gorgeous Darlene. We kept in touch after our children were born and we laughed about how she had 2 little girls and I had 2 boys. She lived her life with grace; she was a deeply spiritual person and her kindness was genuine. Darlene was beautiful both inside and out and will be missed by all who knew her.


04/28/19 06:32 AM #4    

Jo Anna Pitcock

So sorry to hear about Darlene's passing. She was always so beautiful, friendly and kind. Was there ever a time when she wasn't wearing that beautiful, dimpled smile. We had some fun times together. I remember one night bedeviling a classmate at a Shriners picnic. A boy of course.
Running around without a care in the world. She's a very bright spot in my childhood. So thankful we had her. She'll always be a part of us.

05/04/19 08:21 AM #5    

Nancy Elliott (Lettermon)

On April 29th, 2019, I was honored to attend a service for Darlene Happel Pearce held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa.  I was so delighted to meet members of her amazing family as we joined to celebrate and remember this amazing lady.  We love you, Darlene!

Nancy Lettermon  


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