Obituary of Darlene Simril

Sherry Darlene Simril (Swanberg) was born on September 15, 1950, in Austin, TX, and passed away on November 10, 2024, in Burlington, NC, at the age of 74, with her family by her side as she peacefully left this world.

Throughout her 74 years, certain themes remained constant. First, her deep and unwavering faith in God was at the heart of everything she did. She embraced Him in moments of joy and found solace and hope in Him during times of pain and struggle. Second, her life was marked by the many relationships she cherished, forged through her time living in various places across the country – Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Finally, there was her family—her world, a gift from God that surrounded her with love and support.

Darlene’s childhood was shaped by the love of her parents, brother, sister and the special memories made with her grandparents "in the country," as she often referred to their family farms in Elgin and Manor, TX. She spent countless hours playing at Patterson Park, the heart of her neighborhood, which helped create lifelong friendships that spanned from Maplewood Elementary to UJH and Reagan High School. These early years formed the foundation of her life, and she often spoke fondly of the people and experiences that shaped her. A trailblazer in her family, Darlene became the first to attend and graduate from college, earning her degree from Southwest Texas State in 1973. Education was a value she passed on to her own family.

In her adult years, Darlene married her high school sweetheart, Reece Simril. Together, they raised two children while living in various parts of the country. You could easily picture her on a summer evening, sitting on the porch with a glass of iced tea, listening to the Astros, Rangers, or Razorbacks on the radio, while the kids played outside until the sun went down. This was the essence of family life. As her children grew, she spent countless hours in bleachers and gyms, cheering them on at football, baseball, softball, and basketball games. The family shared a deep love of Razorback athletics, and weekends were often spent tailgating, attending games, or gathering with friends to watch big events. Through it all, she created a wonderful childhood for her children and was an extraordinary mom.

In her later years, Darlene found even more joy in her growing family. From 2004 to 2011, she was blessed with a grandchild each year, and those seven grandchildren quickly grew into teenagers in high school and college. Her love for arts and crafts blossomed as she created personalized gifts for each of them—whether for birthdays, holidays, big games, or just because. She sent them with messages of encouragement and scripture from the heart. The time and care she put into each gift, with tape, hot glue, ink, ribbon, glitter, and cardboard, reflected her boundless love. In her final years, her full-time job became packing and sending love to her family.

Darlene now joins her heavenly family, where she is greeted by many loved ones who preceded her. Among those waiting to welcome her are her father, Floyd Leon Swanberg of Austin, TX. She leaves behind her mother, Pauline Bernadine Swanberg of Austin, TX; her brother, Dennis (Lauree) Swanberg of Granbury, TX; her sister, Teri Tidmore of Houston, TX; her two children, Shellye (Pratap) Challa of Chapel Hill, NC, and Greggory (Erin) Simril of Little Rock, AR; and her seven grandchildren: Malli Challa (Bucknell University), Eli Simril (University of Arkansas), Mia Challa (Baylor University), Reagan Simril (12th grade), Maya Challa (11th grade), Lydia Simril (9th grade), and Ike Simril (8th grade). She is also survived by her beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts.

In closing, we recognize Darlene’s love of her Swedish Heritage.  In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that anyone willing please direct support to the Manda Methodist Cemetery, 512.971.6738 or New Sweden Heritage Center, 512.281.0056.