Darlene was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to Ruth (nee Gumm) and Estus Whittymore on October 2, 1957. She married her lifelong sweetheart, James, on November 6, 1982, and they raised their family together in Cincinnati. She loved her family deeply and was also known for being an animal lover. Darlene leaves behind her nine chihuahuas, three cats, one squirrel, one Quaker parrot, and her cockatoo Bailey. She also loved owls, bears, warm weather, and travelling to Tennessee with her family.

Darlene is the beloved wife of James Wilburn; devoted mother of Shannon (Paul) Wilson, Jamie (Thomas Friedhof) Wilburn and Brian Wilburn; cherished grandmother of Danielle, Teddy, Caitlyn and Kara; dear sister of Pam Anderson, James (Marcia) Whittymore and the late Rita Smith.

A visitation for Darlene will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 10 am until time of funeral service at 12 pm. Entombment will immediately follow at Crown Hill Memorial Park.