Jessie Darby

Jessie Isabelle Darby, age 97, of Coffeyville, Kansas formerly of Independence, Kansas died Friday February 06, 2009 at the Windsor Place in Coffeyville, Kansas. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church with the Reverend Willie Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Mount Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel. Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, 2009 with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. The family has suggested memorials to the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church and contributions may be left at the Potts Chapel. Jessie was born January 11, 1912 on a farm east of Independence, Kansas to Charles Franklin and Myrtle Dell Clark Wilkerson. She moved to Independence when she was four years of age and attended schools in Independence, Kansas. Jessie was a resident of Montgomery County her entire life. On December 25, 1937 Jessie married Clarence Darby in Independence, Kansas where they made their home. Clarence preceded her in death on July 15, 2001. Jessie owned and operated with her husband Darbys IGA in Independence, Kansas and later owned and operated Darbys Caf. She was a lifetime member of the Grace Memorial United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and the Philathea Class, and sang in the Choir for many years. Survivors include two sons Dale Darby of Coffeyville, Kansas and Jim Darby and wife Sharon of Lenexa, Kansas; four grandchildren David Darby, Marc Darby, Darla Finn and Neil Darby; four great grandchildren Chance Darby, Addison Darby, Cole Darby and Caitlyn Dezeray Finn; She was preceded in death by three brothers Earl Melville Wilkerson, Elmer Raymond Wilkerson, and James Harlon Wilkerson; and twin sister Bessie Celestia.