Darlene Lea-Mims was born in Martinez, California December 10th, 1949 to Jesse Lea and Hazel (Lawrence) Lea. She was one of 11  children.  On July 17th, 2019 her soul ascended, surrounded by her family and friends. 

Darlene married Willie J. Mims on July 15th, 1967.   This year,  they celebrated 52 years of joyous marriage.  From this union, they have two children Dana and Marcus, six grandchildren; Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith,  Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims.

Darlene graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1968.  She continued to climb the education ladder by obtaining her Associate of  Arts degree from Diablo Valley College and a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from San Francisco State University. She also pursued her Post Graduate Degree from Saint Mary’s College.  She accomplished this due to her determination to succeed and reach her goals.

Darlene came into this world with the ability to listen, learn and empathize.  Those abilities led her to become a teacher.  She was a  teacher in the Pittsburg Unified School district, taught preschool at Railroad Junction, and ultimately ended her career teaching Special Education at Central Junior High School in Pittsburg. Darlene was caring and patient. Her past students remember her fondly. 

Some may not know that Darlene loved sports, almost any sport.  She loved boxing, golf (when Tiger played), football, track and field, and tennis, but there was nothing like being with her when the Warriors were playing.  You would have thought that she was coaching the game.  Then the phone would ring and Marva would be on the line as the Warrior’s other virtual coach. Darlene loved music, all genres (including Hip-Hop), but Stevie Wonder was always a favorite. She was the historian of our family history.  For over 40 years, she pieced together the genealogy of her family, trying to fill in the blanks of her family tree.  We will all remember Darlene’s smile, beauty and her ability to make everyone feel welcomed and at ease.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Hazel (Lawrence) Lea; her sisters, Pearline Lea, Doris Lea Rossignon, brothers Charles Herbert Lea, Jesse Lea, Jr., and Albert King Lea.

She leaves behind her two children: Dana and Marcus Mims, six grandchildren; Tasha Thompson, Nailah Thompson, Khiry Gosha-Mims, Zaheem Smith, Niara Mims, and Inaya Mims: four sisters:  Marva Lea Stephens of Oakland;  Beverly Lea Lockett, of Sacramento; Phyllis Lea Harrold (Larry)  of Pittsburg; Cathy Lea Palmer (Richard) of Bay Point;  and one brother Ivie James Lea, of Modesto; her daughter-in-law,  Cassandra Waller-Mims,  her closest  friend, JoAnn (Thompson) Scott,  and a host of nieces,  nephews, cousins and friends.