Darlene Rosemae Wherley Davis was born in Minot North Dakota on July 15, 1939. Daughter of Royal and Anne Wherley. Darlene attended Minot High School and graduated Minot Community College in 1961.
She truly enjoyed her time at Minot Air Force base as the assistant to the Manager of the Minute Man Program. One memory she loved to share was her encounter with famous rock singer Jerry Lee Lewis. Darlene sat next to the famous singer as he played the piano during a performance for all base personnel; looking back on that moment she would say “I was his eye-candy during the show!”
Darlene, as a single mother of two, also worked as the Assistant Manager of Purchasing at the General Electric Transportation Division in Erie Pennsylvania in 1971. She was smitten by a young ex-Navy pilot, Gregory Davis, who had seen her from afar, and out of a clear blue sky asked her if she could help him with his income taxes!
They married on October 5, 1973.
Over the 33 years that followed the family moved six times supporting Greg’s business career. Darlene accompanied Greg to England, Germany, Peru, and Chile. She loved to travel and form new friendships. Darlene was a favorite of Greg’s worldwide mining customers at the five Super Bowls they attended in the early 80’s. When home, Darlene held the fort down raising her daughters, maintaining the home with her passion for gardening and caring for her many beloved pets.
In 2006, when Greg retired, they moved to Whidbey Island, Washington and settled into a log home perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Darlene stayed active with the household chores. She was involved in the homeowner’s association Architectural Committee, the boating Power Squadron at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club, and for many years became an Icon at the Greenbank Farm walking her pack of four beautiful Corgis.
Darlene is survived by her loving husband Greg, daughters Susanne and Kelly (Rodney), grandchildren Nickie, Jimmy, Josh, Rachel (Mark), and Janelle, great-grandchild Tinsley, sister Shirley Mae and several nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by both parents, brothers Wallace and Ronnie, and sister Mary Lou Lyght.
As Susanne, her youngest daughter, would say “She was a super wife, great mom, had a heart of gold and smile for all.”
Darlene will be forever in our hearts.
