Laura Ann was the third child born to the union of Sam Darden, Jr and Lucy Mae Berry on December 6, 1952, in Chester, Texas. She united with the Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Chester, Texas at a young age. Upon making Aurora her home, she united with Living Hope Bible Church where she served actively in the church until her illness. She was a member of The Exalted Word for over 20 years, and attended the prayer Warriors and Bible study group under Rev. Barbara Hughes, Monday – Friday @ 6am. She also worked in the finance department for the church.
Laura completed her formal education at Chester High School in Chester, Texas and graduated as Valedictorian of her class. She was given an award for completing all twelve grades without missing a day of school. She went on to further her education at Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where she graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Science degree and a major in mathematics and computer science. Laura taught high school math for two years before she enlisted in the military. In July 1975 she enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Scientist Analytical and later trained in Communications Computer System. Laura completed a special tour of duty in Grenada. Most of her twenty years in the United States Air Force she was stationed in Colorado where she retired as Major Laura Ann Darden Hyatte. Upon leaving the Air Force, she went back to college to obtain a master’s degree in accounting, where she worked diligently at Discount Tax Service. Laura also continued her work with children for many years through an afterschool program called Whiz Kids. This program tutored kids who were struggling in school. Whiz Kids also provided a meal for the family. She loved basketball and football; her favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys even though she lived in Colorado.
Laura met and married Ron Hyatte in 1978. To this union they welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Ryan E Hyatte. She took pride in being his mother and she worked hard to ensure he had every opportunity for success. When the grandbabies were born she did not spare any expense for them as well. She took great joy in babysitting and spoiling her grandchildren Rylan and Ryder. Laura’s family brought much joy to her life, and she considered herself blessed to have them all.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Lucy Darden. She leaves behind two sons to cherish her memories Ryan E Hyatte and Ronnie Hyatte both of Aurora, CO. One brother, Samuel L Darden (Margaret) of Houston, TX; four sisters, Peggy Scott (Tommy) of Ferris, Texas; Meschelle Hood and Valerie Davis (Michael), both of Nacogdoches, Texas; Anglethia Collins (Anthony) of Colmesneil, Texas; her stepmother Gracie Darden; two foster sisters Eula Collins (Tommie) of Leggett, Texas and Lillie Darden of Beaumont, Texas; five grandchildren; five aunts and five uncles and a host of nieces, and nephews, cousins and friends. Laura had special friends called the Golden Girls: Sharon Dehart, Doris Harper, Opal Mills and Alice Portley. And an extended sister of the family, Edna Robinson and Prayer Partner Juanita Marshall.
Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Laura Darden-Hyatte are as follows:
Friday, January 21, 2022
Public Viewing: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Coleman’s Family Mortuary
Willie-Ruth Jerue Chapel
409 S. Magnolia
Woodville, Texas 75979
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Viewing: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Celebration of Life Service: 1:00pm
Palestine Missionary Baptist Church
161 Church Rd.
CHESTER, TX 75936
Services for Mrs. Laura Darden-Hyatte are in the Professional Care of Coleman’s Family Mortuary / 409 South Magnolia / Woodville, Texas 75979 / (409)283-3031 www.colemansfamilymortuary.com
*Mask are required*
Coleman’s Family Mortuary along with the Darden-Hyatte family will require all family and friends to wear their masks and use all safety precautionary measures as well as practice social distancing upon entering the services .
To order flowers, to share condolences and sign the guestbook for Laura Darden-Hyatte and family please visit www.colemansfamilymortuary.com
