Darline Lee Wayne

Our beloved hero, Mother Darline L. Wayne, departed this earthly life only to enter eternal rest on March 26, 2025. This precious soul entered this life on September 30, 1935, born to DeWitt Lee Sr. and Bertha Carroll Lee, in Woodruff County, Arkansas.

She was the youngest girl of the twelve children born to this union. Darline was educated in the Brinkley School District, in Arkansas. She became a born-again believer early in her life. As a member of the Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, she was baptized in the Bayou River. Darline was a resident of Cotton Plant, Arkansas until she moved to Kansas City, Kansas in her mid-teens. Not long after moving to Kansas City, she met and married the man who she would spend a lifetime with, Olean Wayne. This union was blessed with five children: Joseph, Marilyn, Dwight, Christopher, and Patrice. They shared 50 years of marriage and built a strong legacy of faith and family. In her supportive role, she assisted her husband in establishing Wayne and Sons Construction Company.

Darline later furthered her academic career in nursing at the Area Vocational Technical School in Kansas City, KS, where she received her certification as a Home Health Aide. She was employed by At Your Service Home Health Care Agency and was well respected and valued for her dedication and hard work. She was passionate about caring for people and used her skills to serve a vast number of clients and relatives, which included: her father, husband, and three brothers: (James “Buster” Lee, Marion “Manor” Lee, and Robert “Buddy” Lee.) They all were cared for in the home of Mother Wayne. This was a testament of how deep her love was for family. Family meant everything to her. She united our family, finding joy in organizing events for her siblings and their families.

Faith was an integral part of her life. She united in fellowship with various churches in the Kansas City, Kansas community. Her latest and most proud union was with the House of Prayer Evangelistic Church. Mother Wayne served diligently in various roles until her health began to decline. She held profound respect for her Bishop and First Lady, who consistently reminded her that they were the fruit of her labor. The congregation of HOPE Church recently dedicated the church fellowship hall in her name, honoring her commitment to Christ and the community.

Sister Wayne had an array of gifts and talents, which included: sewing, crafting, quilting, crocheting, gardening, fishing, canning, and cooking. She was a jack of all trades. There seemed to be nothing that she could not do.

From her remedies to her faith filled prayers, she was the go-to “grandmother” for many. On any given day you could find her reading her Bible, listening to gospel music, or watching her good ol’ westerns.

Mother Wayne never met a stranger. Caring for little babies and the elderly, she constantly showed the love of Christ, giving selflessly. She devoted her life to prayer and intercession. Her greatest desire was to see her family come into relationship with Jesus Christ.

Darline was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one son, seven siblings, one grandchild, and six great-grandchildren.

She leaves to cherish four of her children, Marilyn Wayne of Kansas City, KS, Dwight Wayne of Kansas City, MO, Christopher Wayne of Kansas City, KS, and Patrice (Ollie Jr.) Brashears of Fontana, CA; three siblings: Eunice Lee Mathis of Cotton Plant, AK, William Lee Sr. of Kansas City, MO, and Mozell (Loretta) Lee of Kansas City, KS; 13 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.