Darlene Lynn Burnett was born on March 21, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois to Dorothy and Laverne Burnett.

Affectionately known to some as "D-Lean" or "Lady Di", Darlene attended Loyola University of Chicago, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She enjoyed playing tennis, fashion, styling hair, and doing nails and makeup. She was also a teacher of sign language. Though she had a quiet and reserved demeanor, she was generous to all, and loved to make everyone around her smile. Her faith in God was unwavering. For many years, she was an active Jehovah's Witnesses, even doing missionary work in Africa. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. 

Darlene departed this earthly life and born into eternity on Wednesday September 16, 2020.