Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
After a long illness, Darlean Regina (Hill) Kimble, 56, of South Bend, Indiana, answered her call from God and received her wings, as she transitioned to Heaven on Thursday, July 14, 2022, surrounded by family and friends.
Darlean was born on October 16, 1965, in Buchanan, MI to the union of Demetrious and Samella (Jones) Hill. She was baptized at an early age by her grandfather, Pastor Samuel Jones, in Buchanan, MI. She was raised in Buchanan and received her high school diploma from Buchanan Area Schools. She received several certifications and worked as a paralegal.
The King Finds His Queen
In 1989, Carey Kimble was mesmerized when he saw Darlene. He knew right then and there that she was the one for him. It is said that he was the hardest working man in South Bend in his pursuit to make Darlean his wife.Carey’s persistence, kindness, and love were received and reciprocated, as they joined in holy matrimony onNovember 23, 1989. This marriage united Darlean’s biological son, Stephan Tinsley, and Carey’s two sons, Carey Kimble, Jr., and Courtney Kimble.
Darlean’s Aunt Maudie once said to her, “Darlean, get you a good husband.” Indeed, she did! Carey’s and Darlean’s love story is felt in the hearts of others. It was real. It was deep. It was addictive. It was a living guide for others. It was LOVE!
Queen Darlean cherished and cared deeply for her husband, and especially his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kimble, until the last of their days. King Carey did the same for Darlean and her family. He was a faithful and dedicated husband, as well as father, son, loving uncle, grandfather, and “POPS” to their families, as well as Darlean’s greatest foot massager.
Darlean’s Purpose
One day, Darlean asked her husband, “Carey, when will I find my purpose in life?” Carey answered fondly, “Baby, you have! Look at all these people you have welcomed to live in our home. You have mothered, educated, helped fulfill dreams, and loved them unconditionally. THIS IS YOUR PURPOSE!” Darlean lived out her true passion and purpose as the best mother and granny to many, outstanding wife, and friend to all.
Darlean was the Mother Theresa of the Family.
From sleepovers to cookouts and pool parties, Darlean’s impact has touched many lives. On one occasion, whenthe Kimbles were hosting friends and family, they later received a letter from the City of South Bend regarding allthe cars that stretched down the street from her home. Darlean’s feedback was, “We are a family that still believes in Breaking Bread with family and friends.
Before taking ill with Lupus, Darlean was on the board for the South Bend Chapter of Black Expo and other community organizations. She also assisted with family-owned businesses, such as, Bud City Grill-A-Meal, Dialo’s Café and Catering, and the Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper.
Darlean is survived by her loving and faithful husband, Carey Kimble, Sr.; mother, Samella Harper-Jones of Buchanan, MI., and stepfather Kenneth Harper of Benton Harbor, MI; Two children: Stephan Tinsley, and Carey(Taneshia) Kimble, Jr., both of South Bend, IN. Two sisters: Princella (Dazzle) Tobias of Benton Harbor, MI, and Kenya Harper of Atlanta, GA; Sisters-in-Law: Sheena (Alvin) Garvin of South Bend, IN, and Cassandra (Derick) Tyler, Dallas, TX. Two brothers: Samuel (Waleska) Hill of Niles, MI and LaShunn (Roshonda) Harper, Sr. of Benton Harbor, MI.; Brothers-in-law: Charles Kimble of Atlanta, GA, Keith (Dorothy) Kimble and Carl (Anna) Kimble, South Bend, IN. Grandchildren: Travon Tinsley, Mercedes Tinsley and Stephan Tinsley, Jr., of Las Vegas, NV; Jashawn Tinsley, Kylah Tinsley, Avyanna Williams, Carey Kimble, III, and Terriona Kimble, all of South Bend, IN; and Nyla Cox and Khari Cox of Dallas, TX. Darlean’s nieces and nephews were a very important part of her life, many lived with her, and were treated as though they were her children. Nieces and nephews: Natalya Hill, Maurice Hill, Darshonda Harper, Charmain Williams, Joshua Hill, Tiara Richardson, Mercedes Stuckey, Mariah Harper, Natasha Stovich, Samuel (Angela) Hill, Jr., Dialo Williams, LaShunn Harper, Candise Banks, Henry Futrell, Daniel Jackson, Kathryn Hill, Brittney Smith, and LaShunn Harper, Jr. Darlean was also blessed with a Special Daughter, Natalya Hill, as well as her special nurses, Talaya Youngand Mariah Harper (both great nieces); aunt Bernestine (Dale) Freeman, uncle Leathalbert Jones and her precious dog, Mocha, who stayed by her bedside. Plus, a host of other family members and friends.
Darlean was blessed and strengthened in her walk with Christ. During her illness, when she was unable to attend church, she found solitude and peace by watching the streamed Faith Alive Ministries, where she and her husband were faithful members.
She was also loved, cared for, and treated as a Queen by her oldest sister, Princella Tobias.
Her father, Demetrious Hill; sisters, Sheila Hill and Candrice Williams, son, Courtney Kimble, and her dogs Pepper and Chaka, preceded her in death.
Darlean will be remembered for her down-home cooking, making sure all were well fed and had a plate to take home, pool parties, the special way she could brighten a room, always making people feel at home, her laughter, Queen of Spades and Bingo, as a warrior in her fight with Lupus, her passion for life and love for people. She was always a joy wherever she went. She will be truly missed, but we know that she is safe and secure in the arms of the Lord.
A celebration of love for Mrs. Kimble will be held on Saturday July 23, 2022 , 12 Noon at Faith Alive Ministries, 909 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN 46628. Visitation will be held at 11 A.M. at the church with burial to follow at Highland Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with Alford’s Mortuary Inc. -South Bend.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlean R. Kimble, please visit our floral store.