Connie Sue Darling

Connie Sue Schulze Darling, age 77, of Gulfport, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023. Connie was born on May 26, 1946 in Columbus, OH. She was an eleven-month resident of the MS Gulf Coast. She loved the coastal waters.

Connie was a graduate of West High School, Franklin University, and Southern College. She was an optician for 52 years and received an accommodation from American Academy of Optometry. Connie was also an ABO certified optician and received an Ohio Dispense license and degrees in optics and business.

She attended Temple Baptist Church. Connie was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and will be missed by all that knew her sweet kind soul.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Herman H. and Dorothy Jean Short Schulze; grandson, Tyson King Amerman; and brother, Ronald Lee Schulze.

Survivors include her loving husband, Donald Eugene Darling, Jr.; as well as his family, Paulette and her husband and children and many more; children, Michael Anthony Grimm (Darlene) and Tamara Jean Grimm Rowland (Jerry); grandchildren, Megan Joy Grimm, Bethany Mae Grimm, Christopher Ryan Shaffer, Brett Rowland, Heather Rowland, Ashley Rowland, Tasha Johnson-Grimm, and Monica Grimm; 13 great-grandchildren; step-son, Jason Newsom; her faithful fur baby, Chachi; and numerous nieces and nephews; special nephew, Jason Schulze and special nieces, Cara Schulze, Tashaunda Irene Brooks.

Also left to remember Connie is her cousin, Cheryl Diguilio, with whom she and several of her other cousins would go on yearly trips for a long time. They had a special bond.

Connie was an amazing woman and she could overcome and accommodate many obstacles in her life. Connie succeeded in dealing with or gaining control if any problems even if they were difficult ones. She has faced many odds that most people would find unbeatable (broken homes, relationships, addictions, and health issues to name a few), but her tenacity and inner strength helped her beat these odds and get to the finish line with a smile on her face. Most people would give up when faced with these demons.  Connie would pray every morning and never missed a day. She said prayers over her family, loved ones, and friends daily. Connie was defined by her inner beauty and strength and was always ready to support her family and others.  

The family will respectfully honor the wishes of Connie Darling by scattering her cremated remains in the Gulf. Connie will always hold her loved ones dear passing through the Golden Gates of Heaven. Those who are deceased will be waiting on her. Her father-in-law, Donald Darling, Sr.; mother-in-law, Irene D. Sellers; Shaneen Brooks; Paul M. Darling; Eric Brooks; Ohia Brooks (Paulette’s twin) …all waiting for aunt Connie to put her arms around them.

Connie had a special place in her heart for her dear friends and relatives, Alvin and Melvin Kendall; the Lucas family on Colorado; relatives and friends in Ohio; Jerome Brooks (Dale); Kelvin Brooks (Tonya); Bernice Brooks; Chief Alice Ewin; Kara Marroco; Angela Luke (Rev. Charles Luke); Lee A. Warren (Tice); Denise Johonnie Ratliff (Charles); Delmay Wallace (Rev. Dr. Carl Philip Wallace); Denita Clemons; Sarah Clemons Hayes; Theresa Clemons; Michael Roberts (Ronnie); Yvonne Darling; and Crystal and Daniel West.

We love you and miss you Connie Darling (Sweet Orange Blossom) from Paulette Gentle Spiritual Woman (Hummingbird), Tashaunda Brooks (Butterfly), Nathaniel Brooks, Jr. (Medicine Hands), Donald E. Darling Jr. (Talking Bear),  Donadagohui (til we meet again in Cherokee).

Services will be held at a later date. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport, MS is honored to serve the family of Connie Sue Schulze Darling.