The last of ten children, Darlene was born to Richard and Flossie Murrill on August 13, 1935 in Burbank, California. Darlene is survived by her husband of 73 years, Lee G Brown; her son Daniel Brown (Kathy Moore); daughters Linda and Terri Brown; 2 grandchildren, Edward Montoya (Tabatha) and Ben Kynaston; and 2 Great grandsons, Xavier and Xander Montoya. Darlene was preceeded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Wilma (Sis) Hogan and Betty Guild, and 7 brothers, Eldon, Hubert, Jack (Shorty), Billie, Marvin (Corkey), Robert, and Jerry Murrill; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Darlene worked in the jewelry department at Sears, Roebuck & Co. for many years until she was hired by the State of California where she remained until she retired as a supervisor from the Franchise Tax Board in May 1995. She enjoyed crafts, writing poetry and cooking.
Darlene and Lee attended Valley Community Church in Sacramento. Darlene was a kind, caring, thoughtful person who would give you the shirt off her back if she thought you needed it. Above all, the most important thing to her was her devotion to family. She and Lee guided their children by example, to become successful, independent, family oriented adults and were instrumental in raising their two grandchildren.
Darlene was 15 years old when she met a handsome older guy named Lee Brown at girlfriend’s wedding. They began dating and a month later, Lee didn’t want to leave her behind when he took his mother and siblings on vacation, so he proposed marriage and she said yes! From then on they did pretty much everything together. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in May 2023.
Lee, Dan, Linda, Terri and Kathy provided 24 hour a day care to her for over 2 years. Special thanks to Kaiser Permanente Hospice and caregivers Ben Kynaston and Puppi Love for providing the family with the assistance and resources which allowed Darlene to remain at home with family for the duration of her illness.
Darlene will be interred at a private service at Camellia Memorial Lawn with her nephew Randy Guild officiating. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. The family wishes memorial tribute donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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