Darlene Ann Wheat Tedrick, aged 77, passed away on April 7, 2024, in Kingwood, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 21, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Roy Ellis Wheat and Virginia Rosetta Michl Wheat. Darlene spent her formative years in Illinois and graduated from Newton High School in Newton, IL, as part of the Class of ’65. Over the years, she resided in Houston before settling in Dayton, Texas, where she lived for 38 years.
A member of the First Methodist Church in Dayton, Darlene was known for her boundless generosity and vibrant spirit. She shared 35 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved late husband, Jerry Tedrick, who preceded her in death.
Darlene’s life was rich with cherished moments spent with her family. She found immense joy in lending a hand to her husband Jerry with their home projects in their earlier years together. Cooking was another passion of Darlene’s, and she delighted in passing down her culinary skills to her grandchildren. Her home was always adorned with festive decorations, particularly during the Christmas holidays, where she cherished having her entire family gathered around her. Family game nights were treasured occasions, filled with laughter and camaraderie.
An adventurous soul, Darlene loved spontaneous trips and outings with her children and grandchildren. In their younger years, the family enjoyed camping trips and deer hunting excursions. Darlene was deeply involved in her children’s activities, actively participating in the PTO and PTA at their schools. Gardening brought her solace, and she took great pride in nurturing her plants. A music enthusiast, Darlene amassed a collection of vinyl records from the 1950s and 1960s, reflecting her appreciation for classic tunes. Her favorite movie, “Second Hand Lions,” held a special place in her heart.
Darlene is survived by her devoted sons, Jason Tedrick (Stacey), Jeremy Tedrick (Amber), Justin Tedrick (Adriana), and daughter, Dana Johnson. She was a loving grandmother to Halee Vyoral (Haden), Kenna Johnson, Kinsie Johnson, Rylan Tedrick, Andrew Tedrick, Greyson Tedrick, Matthew Tedrick, Kayd Davis (Haylee), Kobe Tedrick (Camryn), Colton Davis, Kaden Tedrick, Avery Tedrick, Addison Tedrick, and Alyssa Tedrick. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren, Brooke Vyoral, Luke Vyoral, Augustus Davis, and Arthur Davis, along with numerous other relatives and friends.
A visitation to honor Darlene’s memory will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, Texas, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Dayton, Texas, following the service.
Pallbearers for Darlene will be Rylan Tedrick, Andrew Tedrick, Greyson Tedrick, Matthew Tedrick, Kobe Tedrick, Kaden Tedrick, Kinsie Johnson, and Haden Vyoral, with honorary pallbearers being Halee Vyoral, Kenna Johnson, Avery Tedrick, Addison Tedrick, Alyssa Tedrick, and Camryn Tedrick.
Don joins me in extending our condolences to all of your family. You’ve all experienced such a huge loss in having to say goodbye to your mother. The memories of the happy times you had together will hopefully always be of some comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
Wrapping you in love and prayer –
Bonnie and Don Hunt