September 18, 1956 – January 3, 2024

To the Family of Darlene Gayle Fifer Crayton: I met Gayle the summer of 1969. She was feisty with the kindest spirit. Always welcoming me in their home. I met cousins, granny, aunties and friends. Ms. Betsy’s home was open and friendly to all of the neighborhood kids. One of my most memorable moments was when she came to my house to help me learn to do a cartwheel. I had these long legs but no coordination. I was horrible but she never laughed and did not make me feel bad. She kept pushing, telling me I could do it. She was the leader. We both attended UH and Darlene was extremely active with various organizations; including the Black Student Union. I followed her activism. We marched with other students celebrating our heritage. Gayle was passionate about everything and everyone. Always positive. She could debate with the best of them; because she was not backing down. About a week or more prior to Dec. 14th. I visited her at the hospital and we looked at pictures from UH Alumni Group gathering that was held this past October 2023. Gayle remembered just about everyone in the total of 251 pictures that were taken. I was amazed at her memory. As I read Psalm 91; she repeated the verses and she vowed to put this psalm to memory: Psalm 91 KJV 91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. I was amazed at her resilience and memory. I don’t know if she got to memorized Psalm 91; but I do know it was her heart’s desire to do so. The past few years have flown by. I was hoping and praying for a little more time and another outcome. But God knew she needed rest. She left us with a smile on her face and she was not afraid.