DARLENE THOMPSON SIDNEY was born to Mr. Tommy Rendoice and Mrs. Hattie Mae Council Thompson on September 15, 1957, her father was active duty in the US Army and the family relocated to Brooklyn, New York. As a child, Darlene had a love of sports and was an accomplished athlete. She played tennis, softball, handball, swimming, bowling, and her passion was basketball. She played alongside her lifelong best friend, Irene Adams. Darlene was an accomplished basketball player in high school and her athleticism afforded her a scholarship to Lehman College. Darlene played on the women’s basketball team in the year that Lehman College won the 1977 National College Basketball Championship.
Darlene moved to Raleigh, NC, with the intention of attending North Carolina State University. She was a die-hard wolfpack fan! Darlene started her career with Henry Wurst, Inc., in 1980 where she worked for over 30 years. Henry Wurst allowed her to meet two of her lifelong best friends, Beverly Lipscomb and Elaine Bynum. In 1980, Darlene also met Harold Sidney, Sr., who would become the love of her life. Darlene and Harold met at the St. Mary’s Social Club. In 1983, Darlene and Harold began dating and were engaged shortly thereafter. In 2018, they were united in holy matrimony. Harold vowed to love Darlene for the rest of his life, and he faithfully stood by her side during sickness and health.
Family was an intricate part of Darlene’s life. Though Darlene had no biological children, she helped raise many children. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Dee!” Aunt Dee was everything to everybody. She was mother, father, grandmother, and best friend, but at her core, she was simply “Aunt Dee.” Aunt Dee was always present. She attended graduations, sports games, choir concerts, births, and weddings. She was always there.
Darlene exemplified a life given to service. Darlene served her mother until her death, keeping the family connected. Darlene served on the Usher Board at her church, St. Mary’s Free Will Baptist Church.
Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Tommy R. Thompson, mother, Hattie M. Thompson; brother, Tommy Thompson; sister, Barbara Ann Thompson; and nephew, Chaz Harris.
Darlene leaves behind her husband, Harold Sidney, Sr.; children, Harold Jr. (Katrina), Janet, Huey (Corinda), and Felicia; siblings, Emmie, Perry (Kathryn), Carolyn, Malinda Faye (Henry), Marilyn Jean, Judy (Steven), and Jeffrey; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Sunday, April 21, 2024 at St. Mary’s FWB Church, 9305 Holly Springs Road in Apex, NC 27539.
Harold Sidney and Thompson family, we are sorry for your loss (Darlene). She is now an usher in The Heavenly Church. My the Peace of the Lord be Always with you. Gladys & William Lamm
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To the Thompson and Council family. I'm so very sorry to hear of Darlene's passing. She was like everybody's fun Auntie or BFF. She will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for God's comfort. Love you all. Rhonda Maxwell
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To the Thompson and Council family. I'm so very sorry to hear of Darlene's passing. She was like everybody's fun Auntie or BFF. She will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all for God's comfort. Love you all.
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Sending our deepest condolences to the Thompson/Sidney Family. Please know that we are praying for you. - Southeast Raleigh High School Staff
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Bro. Harold Sidney, Our sincere deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your families . May God comfort and strengthen you at this sad time. 🙏🙏🙏
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To the Thompson and Council family. My heart was broken when I heard of Darlene's passing. I have fond memories of her that I will keep in my heart. May God's comfort and peace be with all of you. Perry and Pam Dumas
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Sending our condolences to the Sidney and Thompson family. Words cannot express the sorrow and pain we feel for your loss. Darlene will be greatly missed. Her words of wisdom and faithful instruction will remain with us forever. Rest in peace lovely! Janice Bethel & Family
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St.Matthew 5:4 The Councils of Philadelphia express our deepest sympathy and condolences. Just know that we are there in Spirit; with much love of family. LeRoy Council, Historian
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To Emmie Council and family,The class of1964 Garner Consolidated High School sends love and prayers to you all in the homegoing of your love one.We pray GOD will give healing and peace at this time. President-Dr.Walter L.Stephens. Secretary-Maxine H.GRICEMJ264 E
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Sending our love and condolences to the Sidney/Thompson Family!!! Jihad & Karin Graham ❤️
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Praying for Thompson Eand Sidney Family.
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Praying for God to wrap his loving arms around you all during this time. Love my family ❤️ Debra Brown Patterson
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Praying for the family. Mary Council Brown
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Condolences to the Council and Sidney family from Maryland and Ruby Snelling
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Sending my condolences to the Thompson and Sidney family. I'll keep the family in my prayers. Deborah McClamb Purcell
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Lifting the family and loved ones in prayer. Trudy Mayo Artis
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To the Sidney and Thompson family: May you feel the warmth and love that are being extended by others who are with you during this difficult time of grief and bereavement. When we think of your beloved Darlene's transition from this life to eternal rest we must consider David's epitaph, "Weeping endures but a night, but joy comes in the morning!" Our thoughts and prayers are with you. – Humbly submitted, Deacon Garnell Heggie and Reverend Dr. Mary M. Heggie
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To the family that is like family to me. My heart was broken when I heard the news of my sweet friend Darlene's passing. I will be praying for you family that God gives you peace, comfort, strength and understanding. Love you much! 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️ Janet McCullers & Family
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Rest in peace
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Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Pat and Shelia Maxwell
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I send my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Thompson and Sidney family.
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Thompson and Council family, we offer our sincere condolences to all of you during this difficult time, please know that we're praying for all of you and love each of you ! The Phillips Family, Garner, NC
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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
- Trice Funeral Home, Inc. | Fuquay-Varina, NC
- Donnell Brown