Darlene Adams – Gran to her grandkids, Papper to her nephews, and Dar to many friends – passed from this life on April 13, 2022.
Gran was born on December 16, 1940 to Charles and Mae Thomas. She was a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City and a proud graduate of Northwest Classen High School. On her 80th birthday, we spent some time recounting the many ways Oklahoma City had changed in her lifetime, and she shared stories about riding the trolley to Capitol Hill to buy dresses and going downtown after school with her friends to wander about until one of their moms drove them home. She marveled at the way the city around her had grown, and still couldn’t believe her little hometown was also the home of a professional basketball team.
Gran would be the first to tell you that her best day was September 10, 1958, when she became mom to her only child, Terre, the very light of her life. Family was one of her highest priorities, and her love for her daughter grew to include her son-in-law Richard, and her two grandchildren, Audrey and Jacob. We were blessed to have her live with us for several years and to have time together in way not all families get to enjoy.
For many years, Gran worked as an administrative assistant in the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s office. She took on a second job at Dillard’s, which she continued to hold after her retirement from the state. Her time in the customer service department there gave her an undeniable skill: if you ever received a gift from her, you received a package wrapped so beautifully you didn’t want to open it, and so securely that you couldn’t.
Virtually everyone she introduced to you was introduced with the words, “this is my friend.” Even as she returned to skilled nursing to rehabilitate after another hospital stay, she was delighted to discover that all of her friends on the nursing team were still there. To know her was to be counted among her friends.
Gran will be remembered for her quick smile, her love of books, and her generous spirit. She was a great lover of animals, finding joy in a number of canine companions during her life. Above all, we remember her for her servant heart, always finding a way to give aid and comfort to the people around her, and for her fierce loyalty and belief that all of us are capable of being our very best.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, and her beloved daughter. She is survived by her grandchildren Audrey Dodgen and Jacob Dodgen, his partner Rachael, and their daughter SaBella; her nephews Brian Thomas and Jeff Thomas; her son-in-law Richard Dodgen and his wife Angie; and a host of Dodgens who welcomed her as one of their own. And of course, her many, many friends.
A celebration of life will be held at the Cherokee Hills Church of Christ at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 16.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Metropolitan Library System, or to your local animal shelter.