Darlean Frances Herbert

Darlean Frances Williams Herbert was born in Pasquotank County, North Carolina on
September 11, 1947. She was the sixth of nine children born to the late Simon Williams and Lola Walker
Hartwell (Williams). She fought her battle courageously, with dignity and grace, until July 3, 2021 when
the Lord sent his angels down and called her home to her Heavenly rest.
In 1950, Darlean moved to Baltimore with her parents and other siblings. She was baptized at an
early age at Charity Baptist Church in Baltimore, where she served on the Usher Board. She continued
her spiritual journey at First Apostolic Faith Church, under the tutelage of the late Bishop Winfield A.
Showell; where in 1980, she was saved and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Darlean continued her
spiritual walk with the Lord, under the guidance of Apostle Cornelius F. Showell.
Darlean attended Dunbar Junior and Senior High Schools. Later, as a young woman, she met and fell
in love with the late Joseph Bernard Herbert Sr. (his parents - Brother Charlie and Mother Carol
Herbert). Darlean and Joseph were joined in holy matrimony on December 25, 1964. From this holy
union, three children were born: Evangeline May, Joseph Bernard, Jr. and Chantelle’ Renee.
Darlean was a homemaker until her youngest child, Chantelle’ reached school age. Darlean then
entered the workforce and became employed with The Rouse Company at theCross Keys Inn, retiring
after 28 years of dedicated service in 2004.
Darlean loved to garden. It was not uncommon for her to give gardening tips and share her secrets
with anyone who wanted to know how. She kept her flower beds at her daughters’ homes, always lush
and pretty. She loved two sports specifically, the games of golf and tennis; teaching herself the rules
and nuances of both golf and tennis. She was intrigued by the current political climate and would
routinely engage in thought-provoking conversations on the subject. Darlean would provide her family
and others with the latest political news and tidbits daily. She loved to entertain and the rules of
etiquette and proper presentation were essential to her. Most importantly and above all else, Darlean
loved the Lord, always keeping her family grounded by giving guidance and counsel with the Word in
her soft and unassuming disposition.
Granny, as she was affectionately called by her Grandsons, was a caregiver to each of them and insisted
on being a caregiver for each of her Great-grandchildren. As her illness progressed, her Grandsons and
Great grandchildrens’ constant presence, love and devotion strengthened her resolve to fight her battle
with grace, dignity, courage and faith.
Darlean enjoyed game nights with her sisters: Ardelcia (deceased), Mary (deceased), Kay and Penny.
When her sister, Selethia, would visit Baltimore from North Carolina, a family feast was inevitable with
each sister preparing their specialty dish. Her nieces and nephews fondly remember dinners where the
refrigerator storage drawer would be filled with her scrumptious potato salad. Darlean’s delightful
delicious sweet potato pies were always a big hit with her family during the holiday season. It would
not be uncommon for Aunt Darlean to bake 20-25 sweet potato pies; just to be certain each of her
nieces and nephews could have their own pie to take home after a family gathering.
In addition, her union with Joseph truly brought to her heart additional sisters and brothers. Joseph’s
sister, Christine, and Darlean, affectionately called “Di”, forged a very special bond out of their love

for the Lord. Their sisterhood was filled with shared confidences and prayerful support of one
another.
Sister Darlean Frances Herbert, answered the call of those she loved, and who preceded her in death:
Husband: Joseph Bernard, Sr., Son: Joseph Bernard, Jr., Sisters: Ardelcia May, Mary Ercel and Marilyn
Donnie. Brothers: Simon Lenon and Aaron Winfield. Darlean leaves to cherish her legacy of love,
daughters: Evangeline May and Chantelle’ Renee Wilson; Grandsons: Devin Michael (Jessica), Jordan
Christian and Joshua Emmanuel. Great-grandsons: Devin Matthew, Desmond Michael, Demi Lynn and
Serenity Christlee. Sisters: Selethia Gregory, Kay Fields, Darnell Hartwell and Regina Harris (Charles).
Sisters-in-law: Christine Barnes and Carolyn Herbert-Butler. Brothers-in-law: Charles (Ernestine) and
Benjamin. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and a very devoted and special friend: Ebiyo
Adah.

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