Darlene Gail Breese
Darlene Gail Breese, 71, of Claysville, lost her courageous 21-year battle with cancer. She died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, in the Donnell House.
She was born June 26, 1951, in Washington, a daughter to the late William L. and Nora Alice Ackley Kerr.
A graduate of Washington High School, she was a member of Broad Street Baptist Church growing up.
On December 26, 1969, she married Eugene Stephen Breese, who died November 20, 2008.
She was a strong, determined, and independent woman. After marrying and having her first son, she attended Penn Commercial to obtain her beautician’s license while pregnant with her second son. She enjoyed being a hairstylist for many years, even doing family and friends’ hair in her home.
Darlene had worked at Trinity School District for over 15 years as a van driver and custodian. Driving a van for Trinity School District gave her so much joy in life. She loved the children dearly, getting to know them personally and buying them small gifts just because she cared.
She was a joyful, compassionate, and generous person, full of life, always keeping herself busy. She made an impact on so many people and will be missed by all who knew her. Her family was her sole focus, and she worried over and took care of them until the end.
When she wasn’t spending time with her family, she enjoyed playing slots, card games, cooking and gardening. She was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and enjoyed NASCAR racing. Relaxing at home, she adored spending time with her dog, “Sassy”.
Surviving are two sons, William H. Breese (Makayla) and Michael S. (Christine) Breese; two brothers, William (Fran) Kerr and Dennis Kerr; three sisters, Christy (Rick) Kirkwood, Debra (Eugene) Hatfield and Patricia Livingood; four grandchildren, William, Shane, Stefanie and Stephen; three great- grandchildren, Ayden, Alli and Holden; her fiance, Chuck Worthington; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Deceased are three sisters, Jean Askews, Peggy Crawford and Verna M. Wise.
At the request of the deceased, all services were private. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington.
A guest book is available at www.NealFuneralHome.com.