Darlene (Henderson) Hayden

Darlene “D” Hayden (nee Henderson) was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. The daughter of Vonceil (Redmon) Henderson and Willard Reed, Darlene was raised in a loving home by her mother and father, Russell Henderson. She was a dearly loved member of a large, extended family including: paternal grandmother Mrs. Reed-Wingfield, loving uncles and aunts John and Elizabeth (Reed) Render, Reverend Nathaniel and Velma Reed, and a devoted cousin, Bunnie Reed, all of Cincinnati, as well as  maternal grandparents, John Redmon and Rosie Redmon Holt of Atmore, Alabama. In addition, she had many aunts, uncles, and cousins in her maternal family lineage (the Redmons/Redmans) throughout Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio.

Darlene was united in marriage to the late Thomas Hayden, with whom she shared many years of true love and devotion. They were partners in every sense until his death in 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, husband, and daughter-in-law Vicky (Ronald) Williams, as well as numerous cousins, and dearly cherished friends.

Darlene absolutely loved being the devoted mother of son Ronald and daughter Shauna (Robert) Zeff. She delighted in her role as “MeMe” to granddaughters Sydney and Johanna, and as “Auntie Annie” to niece Maria Guess.  She loved and doted on them all.  She would do just about anything to help her children, grandchildren, and niece to make them happy. She was “Big Sis” to Frances. Darlene cherished her family and dearly loved her close friends, many with whom she formed lifelong friendships. In addition, Darlene is survived by a large family of cousins among the Redman/Redmon and Reed families.

Darlene received her elementary education at St. Andrews Catholic School and St. John the Evangelist Catholic School.  A graduate of Regina High School in Norwood, Ohio, Darlene was employed at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Ohio, Gibson Greeting Card Company, and lastly, The Keebler Company, where she worked for more than twenty years until she retired. Never one to avoid hard, long hours of work, Darlene was employed almost continuously from the time she was fifteen years old until retirement.

Raised in the Catholic faith, Darlene received the sacraments of Baptism and First Communion (Eucharist) at St. Andrew Roman Catholic Church. Later in life, she attended mass at the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church. She had a strong belief that God would protect and guide her through this life, and any challenges it would bring. Her faith remained steadfast. Now, she rests with God for eternity, joining those she dearly loved in this life who preceded her in death. And, if we know Darlene, she is in Heaven teaching someone how to do the latest dance moves while wearing an absolutely beautiful, new outfit with matching shoes and handbag. She must have the shoes! Dance on ‘Lene, dance on…

Visitation will be held at Church of the Resurrection, 1619 California Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. In celebration of Darlene’s life, a funeral mass will immediately follow. Darlene will be laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In remembrance of Darlene, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association online at act.alz.org, or contact the local chapter by telephone at (513) 721-4284, or visit the Cincinnati location at 644 Linn Street, Suite 1026. If you know someone who may possibly have, or has, Alzheimer’s Disease, please call the 24/7 Helpline at

1 800 272-3900 for assistance.

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The family of Darlene Hayden extends our heartfelt gratitude to the many family members and friends who have reached out to offer expressions of comfort and shared memories or told stories of the good times they had with Darlene.