Oralee Darden

God sent his angels on a special mission to take our precious and beloved Mother, Grandmother and Aunt to Heaven after 88 years of blessed living. He closed her eyes quickly as if she were asleep, and she peacefully transitioned home on Saturday, November 2, 2019. Oralee Darden was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 20, 1931 to LouBertha Mary (Bride) Tinsley and Thomas Tinsley.

Oralee married Johnie W. Darden in 1961 and the shared many years together before he preceded her in death. She worked Buena Vista School District and retired after twenty plus years of service.

Oralee liked to shop and collect roosters. She loved caramel ice capped supreme from Tim Hortons. Her favorite shopping network was QVC and she enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. We are forever grateful for this gift God gave us for 88 years.

Oralee was preceded in death by her husband, Johnie W. Darden; parents, LouBertha Tinsley-Sykes and Thomas Tinsley Sr.; brothers, Fred, Carl Richard and Thomas Tinsley II; grandson, Tony Lee Steward Sr.; and niece, Mary E. Farrow

She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Bertha Ree Darden, Vickie D. Smith, Johnnie Jones, Dolores (Joseph)Williams, Bobby Jones; nephew she raised as her own son, Thomas Tinsley III; four special grandchildren she called her babies, Janay C. Herbert, Tyisha M. Darden, Ericka R. Jones, Jonathan M. Smith; Christopher Williams and Joseph Williams Jr.; great-grandchildren, Ajahanna P. Jones, Deparris Jones ,Johnnie Jones Jr., Karter Jones, Tamika Williams, Whitley Hawkins, Brandy Hawkins, Todd and Tony Steward II, Scotty Jones, Maniscia Jones, Lakalvis Jones, Mercedes (Devondre) Anderson, Octavia Hubert, Joseph Williams; thirty-four great-grandchildren; special nieces, Alana (Dev) Baty, Freddie Jean (Martin) Goodson, Angela Blackwell; nephew, Carl Tinsley; great-great-nephew, Morgan Tinsley, who held a special place in her heart and affectionately called her his Ne Ne; her cat T.I., whom she affectionately called Tee Tee; many other relatives and friends.

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