“Here come me!” Those words combined to form her first sentence, and never has anything described a person so accurately. Darelyn Kay Fry was born October 1, 1950 to parents Leo Max Fry and Kathryn Elsie Drake Fry, preceded in life by her older brother, Clifford. She was born in Walla Walla, Washington, and made the journey here to Texas before her first birthday. She lived in San Antonio through her 7th birthday when the family relocated to Kingsville. 

Those who knew Darelyn are aware of her love of music and horses, both of which stemmed from early in her life. She grew up singing, riding horses around Kingsville and even in local rodeos. Moving back to San Antonio in high school, she excelled in twirling and was the lead twirler in the band at her high school, as well as lead alto in the school choir. She attended both the University of Texas in Austin and North Texas State University, and she received her teaching degree.

Darelyn moved to Arlington, Texas in the middle of her college career, and then began her teaching career in the 6th grade classroom. However, she realized a greater calling when she noticed that a core group of students, the special education students, were not getting their needs met. Pursuing a master’s degree, she began teaching special education, moving on to becoming a diagnostician for the Arlington ISD, where she worked until retirement. 

While in Arlington, Darelyn met her future husband, Joe Harrell Jennings, at the apartment complex where she lived. After a short courtship they married in the country on their new property, cows in attendance alongside friends and family! Darelyn and Joe had two daughters, Lindsay and Jessica. Her main love in life was being a mother, and that showed throughout her daughters’ lives. She had 4 beautiful grandchildren: Noah, Maxwell, Reid and Kathryn, who got to know and love their Nana during their early childhood years. 

Darelyn was surrounded in life by amazing friends. Her journey through life allowed her to meet some of the kindest, nicest, funniest people. They shared so many wonderful experiences, including music cruises, youth group trips, swim parties, Friday night dinners, parties at various houses, and so, so much more. Those friendships bolstered her through her last years in life. 

Darelyn lost her battle with cancer on January 7th, 2026, after fighting bravely for so many years. She will be missed, but she leaves a legacy of love, courage, and joy behind. 

https://everloved.com/life-of/darelyn-kay-jennings/obituary/