Darlene Louise Spivey passed away on July 11, 2021 in Dallas, TX at the age of 75. She was born on August 25, 1945 to Herman and Louise Damer Goodwick in Chicago, IL.
Darlene married the love of her life, the charming James Crowell Spivey, Jr. at the age of 19 after a brief courtship where he whisked her off her feet in his Navy uniform. They traveled across the United States and overseas to the Philippines while Jim was enlisted in the Navy. After the Navy, Jim and Darlene first settled in Illinois and later made their life in Plano, TX. It was in Plano where they raised their family and developed beautiful life long friendships. Darlene and Jim were married in Des Plaines, Illinois, on September 26, 1964 and enjoyed almost 33 full years together before Jim preceded her in death in 1997.
Darlene was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother and grandmother. She was a devoted daughter taking incredible care of her mother in her later years and teaching her sons that same compassion. Darlene treasured her two sons (Jim and Tom), daughter-in-law (Sharon), and her 5 grandchildren (Will, Jaycee, Trent, Shea and Holt). She embraced every moment with her grandkids. She enjoyed listening to the stories of their day, looking at their pictures and videos, and playing games with them. Darlene especially loved her years watching her boys grow up and cheering them on through their football and baseball games. After a brief moment as an empty nester, she was again blessed and proud to be by her sons’ side as a fan of the games and recitals of her grandchildren. They were the true light of her days.
Darlene had many devoted friends that she was forever thankful for. They all grew close sharing countless stories and photos of their families in their frequent gatherings at restaurants and holiday parties. Recounting stories of their children’s college graduations and job promotions, as well as their grandkids accomplishments and activities, were always favorite topics which brought them even closer as friends and family. Gathering together were the moments Darlene most looked forward to and truly cherished.
Darlene is survived by her sons, Jim Spivey and wife Sharon, and their children, Jaycee, Trent and Holt of San Antonio, Texas; Tom Spivey and his children, Will and Shea of Dallas, Texas; Her brother Ken Goodwick of Torrence, California; and his children, Josh Goodwick and Kristen Henry.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Louise Goodwick; husband James Crowell Spivey, Jr.; and niece Katie Goodwick.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 15 at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home at 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, TX 75013. Donations can be made in Darlene’s memory to Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org).
The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Darlene’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/darlene-louise-spivey. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location.