AustinHigh.org

[Ben Guttery]

Bessie Marie Darby Bessie Marie Darby was born on May 29, 1921 in Soldier, Kentucky to the late James and Myrtle Butcher. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Perry Glenn Darby. Bess was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Women's Army Corp in Italy and North Africa. She graduated from Peabody College in Nashville, TN. Bess was a lifelong educator and retired in 1978 after teaching at both the new and old Austin High Schools in Austin, TX. Bess retired to MS where she continued her passion for tennis, stamp collecting, and flower gardening. She remained active in her Church, Sorority, numerous charities, and Veteran's associations throughout her life. Bess moved to Garland, Texas in 1995 and made many friends at the Garland Senior Center and later at The Wellington at Arapaho. Bessie Marie Darby, age 89, of Garland, Texas died on June 18, 2010. She is survived by her brother, Mitchell Butcher and wife, Chii Butcher, of San Diego, CA, sons Steve Darby of Oklahoma City, OK, Roger Darby and wife Janet of Garland, TX, and Michael Hoffman and wife Pamela of Salt Lake City, UT, grandchildren, Katie Darby of Newburgh, IN, Sara Darby of San Marcos, TX, Stephen Darby, Jr. and spouse Charlie of Oklahoma City, Greg Hoffman and wife, Lisa of Salt Lake City, Michael Hoffman, USN , E5 of Bremerton, WA, great grandsons, Riley Darby of Oklahoma City, Seth Hoffman and Hudson Hoffman of Salt Lake City, great granddaughter, Madison Hoffman, of Bremerton, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held at Shiloh Methodist Church in Courtland, MS on July 10, 2010.
Published in Austin American-Statesman on July 18, 2010