Darlene Johnson, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at the age of 91.
From the moment she entered this world, Darlene Johnson ("Grammy") was a spirited adven-turer. Her love of life was infectious, touching everyone she met. Born on May 8, 1933, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Howard and Charlie B. Graves, she was raised as a farmer’s daughter. The values of hard work and resilience she learned from an early age were the guiding principles of her life.

Darlene attended Roswell High School, where she tolerated academics but enjoyed sports and her friends. After high school, she continued at New Mexico State University, studying business management. There, she met her husband, Raymond Johnson, and they welcomed their daughter, Raylene, into the world.

Darlene dedicated over 40 years of her career to being a legal secretary where she was known for her professionalism and strong work ethic. After retirement, she opened her own gift shop which she ran for many years.

Darlene loved to sing, and her beautiful voice was often heard while working in the fields on the farm as a girl. She also loved to travel and create lasting memories with her family. She was vivacious and playful and loved to include her mother, daughter, and grandchildren in the mischief. She enjoyed camping trips and water skiing and even had the thrill of racing cars. She was also a member of a motorcycle club. In spite of her “wicked ways”, she loved the Lord with all her heart. For many years, she served as vice president of her Sunday school class, sang in the church choir, and performed for residents at local nursing homes, sharing her joy and talent with others.

Darlene is survived by her daughter, Raylene Barton, and son-in-law, Bill Barton; her brother, Lynn Graves; granddaughter Stacey Jones and son-in-law Curtis Jones; granddaughter-in-law Tiffany Barton; and great-grandchildren Rebecca Barton, Nathan Barton, Allison Jones, Keith Jones and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her ex-husband Raymond Johnson, and her cherished grandson, Ryan Barton.

A celebration of Darlene's life will be scheduled for a future date. For those who wish to share their happy memories, a Virtual Video Tribute is available at Schmidt Funeral Home at https://www.schmidtfuneralhome.net/obituary/tommie-johnson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or sharing a happy memory on her virtual memory page for the family. Darlene will be deeply missed, but her love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.