Deborah Jean Darsey

August 28, 1955 – February 9, 2026

Deborah J. Darsey, passed away at Texas Health Presbyterian in Denton, February 9th, 2026 surrounded by friends and family. She was born the youngest of three sisters on August 28, 1955 to Jonathan Cleon Acuff and Rosie Merline Herrell in Big Springs, Texas.

Deb was an exceptional child. She was adored by all that knew her, with many often commenting that she looked just like the little girl on the Little Debbie snack cakes. She excelled in grade school in Irving, middle school in Big Spring, and finished her high school years at Sam Houston High in Arlington, TX.

She was a hard-worker and a soft soul. She often demonstrated these traits to her peers and was often recognized as a force of nature and a unique soul. She was the perfect sister, having never left her sisters side, a loving mother of two successful and loving sons, a doting grandmother who saw every opportunity with her granddaughter as a gift, and a cherished aunt. She loved her family even when times were tough, and love felt distant. She weathered personal storms like no one else; and looked even the bleakest moments of her life with courage. She was loved by all she knew and had a smile and a helping hand for all.

Deborah was married twice but ultimately found her solace and joy in her sister, Myra. She and her sister were inseparable, a true package deal as most would say. They were the best of friends. Their relationship was one most people will never experience in their lifetime. They defined what it means to be a sibling, to take care of your siblings, and stood as an inspiration to those around them.

She had many careers over her lifetime including working at a bakery where she made delicious cookies and cakes. She spent the majority of her career working as a licensed medical masseuse. For over 20 years, she took care of her clients not only on a physical level but also on an emotional level, befriending many of her regulars.

The thing I admired most about my beautiful grandma was her no-f*cks-given mentality in regard to people’s perception of her. She walked and talked the way she wanted to, and paid no mind to the opinions of others. Her iconic purple lash extensions, purple eyebrows, her always manicured and pedicured nails, and her long, beautiful hair were her staples but her signature trait was her laugh. She loved to laugh and play, and was constantly finding the good in any situation she found herself in. In the words of the late Frank Sinatra, she did it her way.

Her hobbies were reading, movies, riding horses, gardening and Renaissance Faires. For 20 years, Deb and Myra worked at the Renaissance Festival at Scarborough Faire. They would dress up in full “Faire Garb” each day no matter the weather and entertain the masses for weeks at a time each year. Her most cherished items would be her collection of fairies, which she so lovingly displayed and identified with in many ways. Her collection meant the world to her, and will serve as her final resting place, among the characters of fantasy and joy that brought her so much happiness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jonathan Acuff and Rosie Herrell, and many adorable Blue Heeler/Border Collie pups that called her mom.

Surviving her are her sister-in-crime and lifelong best friend, Myra Darsey; sister Toni Sharpsteen; sons who she was very proud of, Jesse York & Mandie, Chris York & Tara; granddaughter Victoria York & Nick; great-grandson Ezra; niece Chalet Ritchey; great nieces Michaela Rice & Erik, Reanna Moore, and Keris Moore; great-great niece Penny Rice; and best friend through it all, for over 60 years, Dee Roller.

"What we leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles