Darlene

Short

Darlene Short was born on December 9, 1927, in Sherman, Texas, to Ardelia Boddie and Robert Henry Boddie. The second of three children, she shared a close bond with her older sister, Azzie Lee Pugh, and younger brother, Rufus Boddie.

Darlene and her beloved sister, Azzie, grew up between Sherman, Texas, and Lawton, Oklahoma. During the school year, Darlene lived with her mother, Ardelia, in Lawton, Oklahoma, and during the summers, she stayed with her father, Robert, in Sherman, Texas. She and Azzie often traveled by train between the two cities, making the journey between their two homes part of their childhood story.

The sisters were well known around town for being two of the best dancers. Wherever Darlene and Azzie went, they brought energy, laughter, and joy. Their love for dancing was a reflection of the vibrant spirit they shared and the happiness they brought to those around them.

Darlene grew up during a pivotal and challenging time in American history. Despite the adversity she experienced growing up in the South, she continued to walk through life with unwavering faith, dignity, respect, and love.

Darlene graduated from high school in Sherman, TX. Soon after graduation, Darlene met Samuel Short in Lawton. They married and welcomed four children: Don Albert Short, Dianne Ester Short (Birleffi), Sheila Marie Short (Gamble), and Samuel "Sammy" Jay Short. Because of Samuel's service in the United States Air Force, the family lived primarily in Denver, Colorado. The family also lived in Bermuda for three years, between July 1959 through March 1962. During Samuel's military service, Darlene lovingly maintained their home and raised their children with strength, devotion, and care.

Darlene created a childhood for her children that was filled with love, laughter, and fun. Her children fondly remember family/friend game nights, her protective nature, and the practical jokes they shared. The family laughed over fake rattlesnake eggs and made-up stories about "Herman Monster," invented to coax Sammy out of the bathtub. Darlene treasured these memories and often retold them with laughter.

Each of Darlene’s children carries special memories of their mother that they will cherish forever. From Don being carefully watched over while exploring the docks of Bermuda, to Dianne learning how to cook by her mother’s side, Darlene was always there to guide, protect, and nurture her children.

Sheila had the special experience of having her mother serve as her Girl Scout leader, creating memories they would share both as mother and daughter and as part of the Girl Scout community. And Sammy remembers the freedom and trust of borrowing his mother’s car for his teenage outings.

The Short family lived at 3125 Fillmore Street in Denver, CO. While living on Fillmore Street, the family formed lasting friendships with other neighborhood families, to include the Cooper Family, the Owen Family, and the Lee Family. These relationships became lifelong bonds and helped create a warm community in which Darlene's children were surrounded by friendship, affection, and joy.

Darlene served as a Girl Scout leader. She took her scouts camping, taught them outdoor cooking skills - including how to prepare meals underground - and encouraged them to participate in community service. She approached this role, like so many others, with energy, creativity, and dedication.

Darlene was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars. While involved with the Eastern Stars, Darlene participated in community events. She enjoyed being apart of the organization and made many lasting friendships.

In 1950, Darlene became an active member of New Hope Baptist Church. She served as a part of the missionary in her early years. Darlene later joined the Majestic Praise Choir. Singing brought her tremendous joy, and she traveled with the choir to perform at venues throughout the state.

After raising her children, Darlene began a career in education with Denver Public Schools. She served as a paraprofessional at Barrett Elementary School and Steck Elementary School and especially loved working with children in early childhood education. She had a lifelong commitment to nurturing and teaching young people, to include her grandchildren. During summer breaks, she cared for her grandchildren while their parents worked.

Darlene was also a caregiver for her Aunt Perry “Nanny” and Uncle Jack “Papa” Conner. She cared for them as they grew older, making sure that they were never alone and knew they were loved.

Darlene played an active and loving role in the lives of her six grandchildren. She cherished having them come to her home for sleepovers, creating special memories and strengthening the bond they shared as cousins. It was important to Darlene that her grandchildren grow up close, connected, and supportive of one another. She enjoyed taking them on excursions around the city and being present for the many important moments in their lives, including school presentations, promotions, graduations, field days, sick days, and, most importantly, the times when they simply needed a hug.

Darlene was especially instrumental in helping to raise her granddaughters, Dwan and Angelica, following the loss of their mother. During that difficult and heartbreaking time, Darlene immediately stepped in and embraced the role of mother with unconditional love. She made sure they never felt alone and reminded them through her presence, guidance, and love that they would always have her support. For Dwan and Angelica, Darlene was not only their grandmother, she became a source of comfort, strength, security, and unwavering love.

Darlene's faith in Christ was the foundation of her life. She made sure her grandchildren were actively involved in church through the usher board, Angel Choir, Youth Choir, Vacation Bible School, and Sunday School. Her grandchildren often spent Saturday nights at her home so she could take them to church the next morning. Through her example, she passed down a legacy of faith, service, and devotion.

Family was at the center of Darlene's life. She enjoyed early-morning walks through the neighborhood, gardening, canning, making jelly for her family, creating arts and crafts, and making many cherished Christmas ornaments. She often invited her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to help in her garden, turning ordinary work into meaningful time together.

Darlene hosted many birthday parties, Christmas dinners, and other family events at her house. The doors to her home was always open and welcoming. Family loved to come and spend time together over her delicious meals, to include her famous Macaroni and Cheese.

After retirement, Darlene helped care for her great-grandsons O.J. "Slim" Thomas and Ken'Yon Gamble. The time they spent together helped the cousins form a bond more like that of brothers. Her home remained a place where generations of her family were welcomed, cared for, and encouraged.

Darlene cherished time and conversation with her dear friends Maxine Cooper, Gertrude Fisher, Jane Butler, Bernice Love, Margaret Heard, Betty Johnson, and Cynthia Williams.

She was the proud grandmother of six grandchildren: Tony Miller, Crystal Repjar, Dwan Gamble, Angelica Gamble, Dwayne Miller, and Don Short Jr. She was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren: Otha Thomas III, Ken'Yon Gamble, Kaylynn Miller, Taniya Miller, Gabriel Miller, Carter Miller, Tatum Johnson, and Emberleigh Short.

Darlene will be remembered for her sophistication, intelligence, loyalty, strength, cooking, baking, and thoughtful telephone calls. She was brave, calm, reliable, independent, and nurturing. She carried herself with a class that could never be taught. As the beloved matriarch of her family, she provided guidance and stability, but she was also a trusted friend and confidante.

Darlene loved deeply and never hesitated to tell her family how proud she was of them. Her strong faith, generous heart, joyful spirit, and devotion to family will live on in everyone whose life she touched.

Darlene’s life was a testament to strength, perseverance, faith, and love. The lessons she lived by will continue through the generations she helped shape and the many lives she touched.

Darlene was preceded in death by her sister, Azzie Lee Pugh, and her daughter, Sheila Marie Gamble.

Darlene leaves to cherish her memory her children: Don (Roserita) Short, Dianne Birleffi, and Samuel “Sammy” Short; her grandchildren: Tony (Tanya) Miller, Crystal (John) Repjar, Dwan Gamble, Angelica Gamble, Dwayne (Megan) Miller, and Don Short Jr.; and her great-grandchildren: Otha Thomas III, Ken’Yon Gamble, Kaylynn Miller, Taniya Miller, Gabriel Miller, Carter Miller, Tatum Johnson, and Emberleigh Short.