Katherine Darlene Ferguson Bratcher of Waynesboro, Virginia died peacefully around 5:30 pm on September 7, 2023.  She was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on September 9, 1949 to Charles Oscar Ferguson and Ruth Edna Layne Ferguson.  During her early childhood, her family lived in a big white farmhouse in Farmville, Virginia where she and her brother gathered with other neighborhood children to play softball, put on theatrical "productions", and of utmost importance, play croquet.

Darlene and her brother, Wayne Ferguson attended school during the tumultuous years that followed the closing of schools in Prince Edward County to avoid desegregation.  They attended the newly opened Prince Edward Academy but did not forget those less fortunate.  She and Wayne would cautiously make their way to the Community Action Building in Farmville to tutor children being refused the right to attend school.

Music was always a big part of Darlene's life.  She grew up hearing the music her mother listened to which included "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay".  Melodic notes would whisper from the pianos being crafted in the piano maker's workshop next door.  Saturday night sock hops and hanging out listening to the local garage band, The Daiquiris, kept her love of music alive.

In 1963, the Winchester Apple Blossom Festival Parade drew people from near and far.  The brash trumpet blaring and drum rat a tat tat of marching bands filled the crisp spring air.  Darlene twirled her sun sparkled baton as she pranced proudly past the grandstand where Grand Marshal Lucille Ball and Festival Queen Luci Baines Johnson sat in review.  The following year found Darlene among the screaming crowds of the 1964 Beatles concert in downtown Baltimore.

Later in life Darlene became an accomplished swing dancer and dearly loved the tunes of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.  She loved to attend concerts such as Elton John, Billy Joel and Neil Diamond.  During her latter years camping out at Nothin' Fancy bluegrass and Redwing Roots music festivals were highlights.  She listened raptly to Jason Isbell at the final concert she attended only last summer.

Golf became one of her avocations during her early adulthood.  Like everything else, she poured her heart into it.  Darlene became an accomplished golfer and traveled extensively to play in tournaments.  She spoke fondly of her trips to Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and any number of courses within the United States.  At one of her favorite golf courses in Maryland, she was privileged to play host to First Lady Barbara Bush while her husband played a round of golf.

Over the years, Darlene was successful in careers in the mortgage, as well as the data processing contracting industries.  In 2001, she took a position at the then Longwood College as the Real Property Manager.  Her career there eventually led her into the position of Director of Conferences and Event Services.  The prestigious Virginia Girls State flourished under her watchful eye where she hosted governors and other state dignitaries with grace.  Also, a bit brazen, Darlene once strolled into the Clerk of the Senate's capitol office with her 65-pound dog, Patches, in tow.

Darlene loved dogs with passion.  Over the years, she raised and cared for three Schnauzer's, Crissy, Molly and Silka. Then there was the Australian Shepherd/Rottweiler mix named Patches.  During the last fourteen years, two terrier mutts by the name of Benjamin Buttons and Lucy were at her side.  Lucy rejoined Darlene on September 8 to remain at her side forever.  Following retirement, Darlene spent much of her time fund raising for the Southside SPCA in Meherrin, Virginia.

Unfortunately, Darlene's latter years were spent coping with the effects of a progressive cognitive disorder.  Over the years, she managed to find ways to navigate the complexities related to disabilities brought on by the disorder.  She maintained her personal dignity and independence by remaining active in her beloved First Baptist Church through worship services, Sunday School, Bible study and as an active member of the Senior Saints Committee.

Darlene provided a shining example to a broad number of people as to how to face adversity, decline and death.  Although very brief, she was proud to be a member of the community-based Dementia Friendly Staunton, Augusta Waynesboro committee.  Her mantra was "I will do the best I can with what I have".  When the challenges became too much for her, she said, "It's time for me to go" and left us with determination in a few short days.

Darlene is survived by her husband Richard Bratcher; stepdaughter Katie (Jason) Bratcher Rhine; step grand-daughter Maelyn Rhine; as well as her dearly beloved brother Wayne (Robert Reeves) Ferguson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 23, 2023 at 2pm in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Church in Waynesboro, 301 S Wayne Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Condolences can be mailed to 301 S. Ellison Ln, Waynesboro, VA 22980.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Southside SPCA, PO Box 66, Meherrin, VA 23954; online donations can be made via https://southsidespca.org/ways-to-give/.  She was a beautiful woman, full of life, who befriended everyone she met.