Darlene Taylor

Darlene Taylor, age 74, of Hallettsville, Texas, passed away peacefully and ascended to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 4, 2026. She was known for her radiant smile, love for jewelry and polka music, and her unconscious influence to teach others about unconditional love and resilience. She would laugh and smile to get your attention, and once she had it, she kept it. Throughout her life, she connected to people in a way only she could.

Born on August 10, 1950, in Houston, Darlene was the only child of Geraldine Gerlich Taylor & Joe Taylor Sr. She suffered brain damage during her delivery which resulted in severe mental impairment and left her with the mentality of a five-year-old. Despite this cognitive damage, she lived far longer than predicted at the time of her birth.

At a time when there were few resources available to help the disabled, and sometimes an unwelcoming attitude from society, Darlene was able to live life due to the persistence, hard work and determination of her family and close friends. She resided with her loving parents until the last 16 years of her life, when her aging mother could no longer care for her on her own.

Darlene would move not far from her family home —the Hallettsville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. It is here where she continued to spend time with her mother each day, made new friends, and enjoyed unexpected visits from loved ones, all while receiving excellent care from its staff.

The family rejoices that Darlene’s soul is in heaven with her Creator and that she for the first time is whole and without disability. They delight that she was welcomed by Jesus and so many who loved her.

In Heaven, Darlene joins her parents, stepbrother Waymon J. Taylor Jr., aunt and uncle Gladys & Raymond Hagan, uncle Gilbert M. Gerlich and cousin Douglas L. Funk.

Darlene's memory is carried forward by her aunt Helen Gerlich; her cousins, Sharon Jacobs & husband, Larry, Michelle Gerlich Funk, Laura Estes & husband Tim, Jerry Gerlich & wife Kelly, Jim Gerlich & wife Kim, Kevin Gerlich and Susan “Birdee” Scott & husband Wesley. She is also survived by numerous other family members and friends, including Tammie Felchak.

A graveside service will be held in Hallettsville at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. For those desiring, contributions in memory of Darlene Taylor may be directed to Hallettsville’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Saint Mary's Catholic Church.