Darlene Marie Dow Brigham

Darlene Marie Dow Brigham, 93, of Winston-Salem, NC, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, at her home with her daughter, Sheri, by her side. 

Born in Jud, ND, during the Dust Bowl years of hardship for farmers to the late Guy W. Dow and Amanda Johnson Dow. At age 9, the family moved to Port Orchard, WA, just three short months before the Pearl Harbor Attack.

In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by five siblings, Everett, Eunice, Joyce, Gale and Ellsworth; and two husbands, Glen McHenry and Marshall Brigham. 

Darlene had a tremendous love of music, having grown up with her father playing fiddle at barn dances and church socials. She also played clarinet in the South Kitsap High School marching band. She was always ready for trips to museums, concerts, animal parks, and greatly enjoyed mountains or beach. At home, she was a skilled seamstress and enjoyed gardening and landscaping her yard.

Darlene operated a small group infant daycare out of her home for over 23 years and thoroughly enjoyed caring for the over 131 babies that were entrusted into her care throughout the years. Always a compassionate listener, she could easily illuminate a healthy perspective as well as provide thoughtful counsel when requested. Darlene was an optimistic gentle friend and a good neighbor to all. She was a dedicated volunteer with the Contact Help Line, and The American Red Cross.

Just five springs ago, Darlene had a spiritual awakening and accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior. Last summer, she began attending online services at Jacob’s Tent Fellowship. Each week she looked forward to the praise and worship and would joyfully sing along, especially with the singing of the Aaronic Blessing and Blessing of the Children songs. Even in some of her last days she would hum or sing along with her daughter. Her focus and interest in the teachings and Torah discussions was like nothing else over the last few years. The peace and comfort these blessing songs gave her was visible. Her hope was that all would come to know this same comfort and peace.

Darlene leaves behind to cherish her love and memory her daughter, Sharolyn "Sheri" Brigham Bishop; son, Kevin Michael Brigham (Lorraine); two grandchildren, Zan and Michael; and several beloved nieces and nephews across the country. 

Darlene’s wishes were that there would be no funeral or burial held, and that her ashes be scattered by her children at the ocean, and at Roan Mountain during Rhododendron blooming peak in memory of her beautiful Washington State home childhood.

Donations to honor her memory may be made to the Jacob's Tent Fellowship Building Fund at jacobstent.org, or to PO Box 3904, Cleveland, TN 37320

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”

— ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬‬

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

— ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭9‬‬

Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the Brigham family.