Naoma Graves Darby

Naoma Graves Darby, age 92, departed this earth to meet her Savior on Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Naoma was born March 30, 1918 in Erath County, Texas to Morgan and Mae Shoup Graves. She attended Tarleton College until her marriage to Cecil Curtis Darby on June 28, 1936 in Stephenville, Texas. They were married for 61 years until his death October 2, 1997.

Cecil and Naoma lived in Stephenville prior to moving to Ballinger, Texas in 1946. There, they established Darby Lumber Company, where she worked as the bookkeeper for over 30 years. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, serving as church hostess for a number of years. In later years, she organized and served bereavement meals, and filled the role of secretary of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class.

Her most important job was always her family. She made her house a home filled with love, attention and creativity. Her children often offered her services for school and church functions, and she unfailingly stepped in to keep their promises. Her family and friends will miss her very much, but rejoice in knowing we will see her again when we all get to Heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters Audrey Graves and Dorothy Carter, son, Cecil “Mickey” Darby Jr., and grandson Chris Flynt.

Mrs. Darby is survived by daughters Linda Flynt and husband Bill of Midland, and Pat Holloway of Llano; four grandchildren, Cindy Caldwell of Odessa, Debbie Maxwell of Midland, Vickie Parker of Irving and Duane Holloway of Nova Scotia; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Morgan Graves of San Leandro, California, a sister, Billie Lee Jones of Stephenville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Amazing Grace, her caregivers; Glenda Morgan, Karen Bowers, Gina Garcia and Lisa Williams and Home Hospice Midland.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Naoma’s honor to Carnegie Library of Ballinger, 204 N.8th, Ballinger, TX 76821, Home Hospice, 901 W. Missouri, Midland, TX 79701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Services celebrating the life of Naoma Darby will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2010. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 am at Evergreen Cemetery officiated by Rev. Ferris Akins, and a memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Ballinger, Texas, with Rev. Akins and Brother Bobby Broyles officiating. The family will receive friends at Lange Funeral Home on Friday evening, November 19 from 7 pm until 8 pm.