Darlene Williams (Lansing)

Ms. Darlene Betty Howlett-Williams passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on Saturday, December 23, 2017 at McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. Age 57 years. She was born July 30, 1960 in Lansing, Michigan to Thomas N. Watkins, Sr. and Betty J. (Davenport) Howlett-Watkins. Darlene, the youngest girl of nine children, loved the attention and being spoiled.

Darlene graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1979 in Lansing, Michigan. She attended Lansing Community College and participated in the Cleveland Job Corp career training program in Cleveland, Ohio. Darlene worked as a nurse’s aide and she worked at The Lansing State Journal. The greatest joy of her life was her children, Tiara and Lawrence. Darlene loved to dance, sing, roller skate, karate, arts and crafts, and playing the guitar. Her favorite color was pink. She also loved anything that had “Hello Kitty” on it. Darlene loved fashion, her unique flamboyant style stood out and shined bright like a star. She was a fashion Diva who could walk any runway from New York to Paris with her style and grace. She enjoyed reading and studying her Bible; attending church with her big sister, Jeannie and her nieces, Robin, Monique Vaughn, Jean’nell and Jyrese. Darlene attended Mt. Hope Church under the leadership of Pastor Dave Williams. She later became a member of Tabernacle of David Worship Center under the leadership of Elder Larry M. Trice, Jr. and First Lady Lene’a Trice. Darlene had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith helped her to fight and stand strong through her illness for over 27 years. Darlene’s favorite scriptures were Isaiah 54:17 and John 3:16. Her favorite song was “Shackles” by Mary Mary. Jesus took Darlene’s shackles off her feet and now she’s dancing all or Heaven, praising Him!

Darlene leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Tiara Renee Howlett-Halliburton, Trenton, New Jersey; son, Lawrence Ruben Hart-Howlett, Lansing, Michigan; siblings, Jean L. Howlett-Aikens, James A. Howlett, Jr., Marianne Howlett-Gibson, John A. (Kim) Howlett, Annette M. Howlett-Hill and Thomas N. Watkins, Jr. all of Lansing, Michigan; 2 aunts, Bernice Davenport, Lansing, Michigan and Rose Watkins, Aurora, Illinois; 7 nieces, Robin M. Aikens-Smith, Miriam L. Howlett, Monique A. Aikens, Lesley A. Rucker, Anisha Howlett, Kasic Howlett and Keyvone Howlett; 8 nephews, Andre M. Aikens, Donte L. Howlett-Gibson, Atone L. Gibson-Howlett, Thomas D. Rucker, Jerrod Howlett, Ryan L. Gibson, Trae Howlett and Tyrone “Ty” Howlett; many cousins, other relatives and friends, including special friends, Joy Gleason and Kimberly Hart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father, James A. Howlett, Sr., 2 brothers, Arnold E. Howlett and Jerome M. Howlett, grandparents, Professor Davenport-Kemp and Mercer Davenport, Orlando Watkins and Tennie Farrington-Watkins.

The family would like to express special thanks to Cathy Morgan, Joy Gleason, Kimberly Hart, Mid-Michigan Guardianship Services, Sparrow Health System, McLaren Greater Lansing staff, Mount Hope Church, Tabernacle of David Worship Center, Pastor Larry M. Trice, Jr., First Lady Lene’a Trice, Ivan E. Phillips and Paradise Funeral Chapel & Arrangement Services staff.