Darlene Higley

Darlene Marie Higley of Dawsonville, Georgia passed away on December 8, 2025.
Darlene was preceded in death by her husband Douglas Harold Higley and her parents Leonard Daniel Harbison and Evelyn Beth (Albee) Harbison.

Darlene leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter Dawn (Todd) Berg and their sons Jordan (Yeyun) and Jackson; daughter Denise (Bill) Jobb and her children Danielle (Lindsie) and Nathan Cysewski (Emily); son Darrell (Carol) Higley and their children Amanda and Joey; along with her 5 great grandchildren Elle, Crew, Asher, Luca, and Talullah. In addition, she is survived by her sisters Betty Long and Phyllis Harbison, and brother Ron Harbison in addition, several nieces and nephews. Darlene was a loving Wife, Mother, and “Grammy” . She will be missed by family and friends.

Darlene was born in Sandpoint, Idaho on October 26, 1940. During her high school years she attended Upper Columbia Academy. In 1959 she met Doug and after he had returned from service in the Air Force they married on October 20, 1961. A couple of years later they settled in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho where they raised their family and ran a successful Standard Oil / Chevron station in Coeur d’Alene. When Doug sold the service station he changed careers to operating heavy equipment and after their kids were grown they spent several years traveling to job sites in Idaho, California, Oregon, and Washington. Darlene enjoyed living in their fifth wheel and exploring new places.
Darlene enjoyed her family and especially loved her grandchildren! She enjoyed bowling, some golf, camping with her young family, canning, reading, crocheting, puzzles, games like sudoku and solitaire. She especially liked being at home and enjoying quiet time. One of her favorite quotes during her last year was “I would socialize a lot more, but it gets in the way of me staying home doing whatever I want.” She also loved chocolate! The darker the better. It was guaranteed that whoever came to visit could get a chocolate treat when visiting her home! It was these simple pleasures that brought her comfort and happiness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memories and condolences may be left on the McDonald and Son Funeral Home website.

A private interment will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr, Canton, Georgia 30114 where she will be laid to rest next to her best friend and husband Doug