Darlene A. Bracey

Darlene Alecia was born on May 30, 1947, to her birth parents, Harmon and Mildred (Baldwin) Johnson in Detroit, Michigan. From an infant, she was raised in Roselle, New Jersey by her parents, Sinkfield and Lula Bell Kegler. As a child, she was baptized and raised in her family church, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Roselle, New Jersey. She was educated in the Roselle Public School system and graduated from Abraham Clark High School in 1965. Soon after graduating, Darlene married Clarence Shell and from that union, she bore five children, Clarence, Monique, Jenique, Simone, and LaKeisha. In 1977, she met Robert Bracey Sr. They were later married, and from that union, she bore three children, Robert Jr., Nathaniel, and Anthony. Throughout Darlene’s life, she was employed as a Clerk for Barners & Sons Trucking Company; a Dispatcher for Amcest Corporation; a Coordinator for Elizabeth General Medical Center School of Nursing; and in retirement, a Cashier/Customer Service Representative for Sears. Darlene always made time to give back to her community. She volunteered for the Shooting for the Stars Enrichment After School Program and the Roselle Adult Community School. She also held positions as the President of the Senior Choir; Advisor to the Junior Choir; a Member of the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Hospitality Ministry. In 2016, Darlene was honored with a Certificate of Appreciation from Pastor Jeffrey Bryant for her years of unwavering service and support to the church. In 2017, Darlene was recognized by Mayor Christine Dansereau of Roselle receiving a Proclamation as Roselle’s Hometown Hero. Darlene, a lifelong Roselle resident, had a generous spirit and will be remembered for always taking care of others. Her home, recognized as “1200” or “Warren Street” was open to family and friends for her motherly advice, food, and shelter....as a beacon of hope. She was affectionately known to many as “Ma” and others as ‘’GG” touching lives by being present and showing love to everyone. She believed that it took a village...so she created her own and made sure we all took care of each other. Darlene LOVED her children and would always say how blessed she was to have them. Her love was intentional and specifically designed for each person she knew...always supporting while being guided by god and never doubting her faith! On July 14, 2024, Darlene was called home. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Clarence and Robert; brothers, Carl Sturgis, Tyrone Johnson and Vincent Harness, Sr.; sisters, Denise Cheek and Carolyn Gordon; sister-in-law, Betty Johnson; granddaughter, Monet Shell; nephew, Antoine Holley and niece, Faith Johnson. She is survived by her eight children: Clarence (Mary), Monique (Robert), Jenique, Simone, LaKeisha (Kenneth), Robert Jr., Nathaniel, and Anthony K.; twelve grandchildren: Anthony G., Antoine, Denise, Mustafa, Khylla, Kaysean, Erica, Justin, Kyren, Clarence Jr., Mikahi, and Zhair; three great-grandchildren: Tessa-li, Julian, and Tori; three brothers: Dwain (Karen), Sterling, and Terrell; two nephews: Vincent Jr. (Angela) and Sean (Nina); and three nieces: Ayana, Andrea and Tyreka. Giving thanks to the special family: Carol, Pamela, Rochelle, Sharon, Judith, Sheila, and a host of relatives and friends, too many to mention.