Louise C. Darby

Louise C. Darby was born in Bessemer, Alabama on February 19th, 1927. She touched many lives until her death on April 3rd, 2018. Louise lived a full, active life during her 91 years in the Bessemer area. There is no doubt the wealth of love and grace she has shown to all who knew her, will continue as the proverbial ripples in a pond.

Louise' passion for reading kept her mind sharp and gave her the ability to converse on most any topic. She worked in several professions outside of the home, beginning as a proofreader for Elton B. Stephens at Vulcan Press.  This endeavor allowed Louise to remain in the home while she raised her family.  Once her children entered school, Louise worked as Manager of Nu-Way Loan Company until the mid 70's when Louise opened her own finance company, Money Mart, Inc., in downtown Bessemer.  Louise served as a role model for women as she took on the business world in a time when women were not well accepted. She did not push her way in; rather, she entered the business world with charm and finesse. After the age of 50, Louise decided to change careers again, proving you are never too old to take on a challenge. Running her finance company during the day and going to school at night, Louise became a Realtor for Johnson-Rast and Hayes.  Louise was a highly respected Realtor who mentored many real estate newcomers. Her background in finance was invaluable as she helped hundreds of young couples to become credit worthy in order purchase their first home. Louise was never too busy to help others in pursuit of their dreams.  Louise was honored as Realtor of the Year on multiple occasions and received the Ada Mae Gardner Award for Excellence. In later years, Louise continued to work as a real estate consultant, retiring at 85 years old.

Louise was a loyal friend.  She stayed close to many people throughout her life with whom she went to elementary school. Louise always had an abundance of friends of all ages and from all walks of life. She loved to play bridge and remained in a bridge club playing twice weekly until her death. As well, she loved to cook. Throughout her life there was a Sunday dinner ready at 3PM for family and friends. Everything cooked to perfection and all from scratch.  Her legacy of grace, wisdom and generosity will continue through her treasury of friends and family.

Louise Crim married William "Bill" Darby on February 15, 1946.  Bill preceded her in death on December 5, 2005. This union produced three children who consider themselves most fortunate to have had such remarkable parents.  Louise is survived by her children, DeeAnn Bradley, David Darby and his wife Susan Darby, and Dana Darby and her partner Lee Harrington. She was also blessed with many grandchildren, Charles Backus and his wife Brandy Backus, Jason Bradley and his wife Lisa Bradley, Amanda Darby and her fiance Dan Lee, Patrick Darby and his partner, Cody Smith, and the late Jarred Darby, whose untimely death occurred in 2012. Louise is also survived by one great grandchild, Jayden Bradley.

The family will receive friends from 10-11, Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home, Hwy 150 in Hoover (opposite Hoover Toyota).  Funeral will follow at 11:00 in the chapel.  Interment will be in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. Please feel free to join us as we celebrate this remarkable person on her final journey.

Since her retirement and after reading numerous books on animal rescue, Louise had become an animal advocate.  Accordingly, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Pound on the Hill Animal Rescue. 1628 Holbrook Ave. Bessemer, Al 35020.