Darlene Ona Johnson Hazzard, the golden age of 100, was called home June 22, 2023, by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Darlene was born May 23, 1923, in De Leon, Texas to Ernest H. Johnson and Lorena (Cozby) Johnson. She was the first born of four children.

Darlene lived in several communities around De Leon while growing up: Buffalo Springs, Duster, and Robinson Springs. She started her early education attending Pounds School near Duster. Darlene became a Christian at an early age and knew in her heart she would always follow the Lord. She played basketball at Duster School and her senior year transferred to De Leon so she would graduate from an accredited school to attend college. She graduated with the De Leon class of 1940.

Darlene's college career was put on hold after she met the love of her life, Durward Hazzard. He won her heart, and they married May 10, 1940, and settled in the Robinson Springs community as sharecroppers. Two children were born to them, Da Sha and Dwayne. Eventually, the family bought about 200 acres and became peanut farmers. The family was very active in the Robinson Springs Church and community, worked hard on the farm, but made time for 42 parties on Friday nights to enjoy a social life. Darlene was very involved in the community quilting, Home Demonstration Club, and 4-H Club.

In their mid-thirties, Durward and Darlene felt the Lord calling them into ministry, so they sold the farm, moved to Corpus Christi and enrolled in the University of Corpus Christi in 1954. They both attended college classes, worked, and Durward preached at churches on Sundays. After graduation, they pastored several rural churches in South Texas, and both taught in education. In 1965, Durward and Darlene were appointed by the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board and established churches of Indiana. Darlene received her master's degree from the University of Indiana while continuing to teach in public schools and being an active pastor's wife for those ten years. The cold winters in Indiana were not good for their health, so they decided to move home to Texas. Darlene continued her teaching while Durward served as Chaplain at West Texas State Children's Home in Pyote, Texas for ten years. In the 1980's, they moved to Comanche, Texas and built a house. Darlene taught fifth grade in Comanche and Durward pastored Zion Hill Baptist Church. Darlene retired from teaching in 1986 after 28 years of service. During their ministry, Darlene served as the President of the Minister's Wives Alliance, Bible teacher for both adult and children programs including Sunday School classes, VBS Director, church treasurer and secretary, among many other servant roles. Darlene was also a former member of the Civil Air Patrol.

She enjoyed her garden, flowers, and her chocolate lab, Cocoa, and occasionally traveling. She loved garage sales and talking with people there. She was intrigued with what they had to sale. Underwood's and Hard 8 were her favorite places to eat and she often treated her family to dinner. In her early 90's, she decided to move to an assisted living facility. Within two years, she decided she was too young for assisted living and built a new house in Stephenville. After a couple of years, a few falls, and two broken hips, her health began to fail so she moved into Lone Star Rehab and Wellness Center in Stephenville where she resided until her peaceful passing on June 22nd.

Darlene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Durward (2001); parents, Ernest and Lorena Johnson; two brothers, Herman Johnson and Deryl Johnson; sister, Loretta Hanifan; great-grandson, Christopher Moga; son-in-law, Joe Beaty; and daughter-in-law, Lois Hazzard.

She leaves behind a loving legacy in her surviving family: daughter, Da Sha Beaty; son, Dwayne Hazzard and wife, Christina; grandchildren, Melissa Harrell and husband, Brad, Greg Beaty and wife, Jill, Cari Moga and husband, Jason, and Kimberly Wood and husband, Bryan; great-grandchildren, Lindsey Harrell, Landon Harrell, Sarah Cusumano and husband, Joe, Sasha Payne and husband, Heath, Casey Beaty, Ryan Moga, Dylan Moga, Drew Wood, and Ethan Wood; great-great grandchildren, Paisley Payne, Walker Payne, and Emma Cusumano; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Funeral services celebrating Darlene's wonderfully lived life were held June 27, 2023, at Nowlin Anders Funeral Chapel with Vic Watson officiating. Darlene was laid to rest beside her husband, Durward Hazzard, in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Greg Beaty, Brad Harrell, Casey Beaty, Landon Harrell, Joe Cusumano, and Heath Payne. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the church or charity of your choice in memory of Darlene.