Darlene Dawson

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 22, at Connally Compton Funeral Directors Chapel with Brother Carrol Hambrick officiating. Burial will follow in Lorena Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, at Connally Compton Funeral Directors.

Darlene (Chubby) was born to Ray and Welda (Herbelin) Stanley July 25, 1944. Mom was an outgoing and adventurous child. She loved riding her bike, skating, and climbing trees. This all came to a halt in June 1954, when she was stricken with polio where for a short time she was paralyzed from the neck down. After months of therapy, pain, and pure determination, she walked again. She started on a walker, then crutches, until eventually she was able to walk independently. Darlene attended Waco High on Columbus Avenue where she walked up and down the three flights of stairs there, where no 2 classes were on the same floor.

In 1964, Darlene went to Waco Beauty School and became a cosmetologist. She kept her beauty license up to date for 30 years. In 1979, she graduated from MCC with an associate’s degree in long term health. She then worked as an assistant administrator at Pleasant Manor, Administrator of Bellmead Nursing Home. She ultimately found her passion in life as an Activities Director at Care Inn of Waco. Mom enjoyed working for the residence instead of the state. Darlene was outgoing and always had a smile on her face.

Sept 1964, Darlene met Wayne Dawson. The same night he met her, he told her, he was going to marry her. She laughed him off. However, on January 16, 1965, Darlene and Wayne were married in a simple ceremony. Mom was under the impression she couldn’t have children, but the doctor actually said she would have a hard time having children. So, what a surprise in October of 1965, their beautiful fair skinned, blue eyed baby daughter, Robin was born, and then their family was completed in October of 1970 when their beautiful brown eyed baby girl, Jeannie was born.

Darlene is preceded in death by her grandparents, George, and Della Herbelin, father, Ray Stanley, brother, Jackie Stanley, mother-in-law, Marie Dawson, father in law, Dick Dawson, as well as several great uncles, great aunts, and cousins.

Left to remember and miss Darlene and cherish her memories is husband, Loyd (Wayne) Dawson, daughters, Robin and husband John Fowler, Jeannie and husband Scott Eason. Mother, Welda Stanley; grandchildren Jeannie Buro, Robert Docherty, Collin Fowler, Brianna Docherty, Jason Eason, Olivia Eason, and Aidan Fowler. Honorary son, TJ Stankiewicz and wife Dena and their children, Teddy, Tiffany, and Amelia. Several adopted great grandchildren. Siblings include Barbara Merkel of Las Vegas, George Ray Stanley of Fairfield, and Mike Stanley of Waco.

Arrangements under the direction of Connally-Compton Funeral Directors, Waco, TX.