Melinda Hall Darby

Melinda Hall Darby of Hurst, Texas, was born February 7, 1942, in Jennings, Louisiana, to Marguerite Marie Emerson and Elmer Dwight Hall. She left this earth on March 15, 2024. She was raised in Weatherford, Texas, by her father and paternal grandparents, Rhoda Ophelia Musgrove and Jesse Elmer Hall, Sr.

She leaves behind her husband, James Curry Darby. Their sixty-nine-year love story, with its twists and turns, is one of devotion, enjoyment and commitment.

Anything culinary was her passion, and she adored cooking for James and family. Her Christmas cookie trays and chocolate pies are legendary, along with her Easter Egg Hunts and Halloween festivities. It’s a sure thing her coveted recipes will be carried forward. Her strong, artistic, eclectic personality was evident in all she did.

Besides her husband, James, those surviving and missing her are her daughters, Kerry Mahan and Beth Nicholson; sister, Roma Hall Van Hoosier and husband, Bill; her brother, Guy Hall and wife, Pam; nephews and nieces, Brett VanHoosier, Mary Elyn (Van Hoosier) Worsham, Zachary Hall, and Arielle (Hall) Ash; great nieces and nephew, Bryn, Blaine, and Bella Van Hoosier, Hadley and Will Worsham, and Charlee Hall. Also surviving is her son, Tim Mahan.

She is blessed to be survived by her bonus daughter, Donna Darby Springs and husband, Larry, along with three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

During her lifetime she loved and cared for many dogs, kitties and an assortment of miscellaneous creatures. From childhood, she was a master at teaching tricks to her dogs, especially Heidi, and parakeet George. Canine Tutu, felines Cody and Kiki, are the latest to bring her great comfort and joy.

A private family commitment of ashes at Oakland Cemetery will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in Melinda’s memory to one of the following organizations:

Buddies Place Cat Rescue

PO Box 123593

Fort Worth, Texas 76121

682-268-0314

www.buddiesplacecatrescue.org

Panther City Feral Cat Coalition

PO Box 101631

Fort Worth, Texas 76187

https://fortworthferals.org