Archie Darlene Quave Johnson

Mrs. Archie "Darlene" Johnson, 88, of Merryville, LA passed away Monday, January 19, 2026. She was born on January 22, 1937, in Beauregard Parish, and is the daughter of the late Lorene and Ausbon Quave.

Darlene loved to read, and shared this love by swapping books with family, friends, and even her own mother through the years. She also loved to cook for her family, saving all her favorite recipes in cookbooks, so they can be passed on through her children for years to come. Darlene loved to travel with her late husband in their RV and see places like Yellowstone National Park. They often traveled with other couples and many of their grandchildren to RV parks and spent time exploring, playing games, and shopping. One of Darlene's favorite pastimes was tending to all her rose bushes and plants that made her home even more beautiful when they were in bloom. She often sat on her back porch swing drinking coffee, admiring their beauty.

Her home was a reflection of her vibrant personality, with trees cherished as part of her life’s tapestry, even if they were a little worse for wear. She took a stand against cutting them down, showcasing her passion for nature. She found joy in the little things, like watching the boy’s races on TV and she was known to keep every card and invitation she ever received for over forty years, reminding us all to appreciate the pleasures in life.

Darlene also loved to unwind with a meal at her favorite Mexican restaurant after a day of getting her hair and nails done. Known for her love of Saturday lunches at Stu's, Darlene had a knack for making even the simplest moments feel special. Whether she was enjoying her favorite Diet Coke, reveling in a Sonic burger, or celebrating her weekend visits with perfectly styled hair, Darlene always took the time to look her best, ready for any surprise visitors.

Darlene is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Eugene "Gene" Johnson; son, Jerry Keith Johnson; and two brothers, Adam Esteave Quave, and Bruce Harrold Quave.

Those left to cherish her memory are: daughters, Patti Lynn Bearden of Lake Charles, LA, Kathy Jean Johnson of Lake Charles, LA, and Cheryl Ann Cavazos (Clay) of Fort Worth, TX; sons, Kevin Wayne Johnson (Kristy) of Jasper, TX, and Kyle Eugene Johnson of Lumberton, TX; brothers, Wayne Quave (Sheila) of Merryville, LA, and Floyd Quave (Vanessa) of Merryville, LA; sisters, Linda Stark (Mance) of Weatherford, TX, Lucille "Sissy" Midkiff of Pineville, LA, Nina Quave of DeRidder, LA; grandchildren, Jena Borho (Colton), Joshua Bearden, Christopher Cavazos (Hannah), Victoria Cavazos (Logan), Kayla Johnson (Ursin), Brandy Higginbotham, Brandon Johnson, Denay Johnson, Amanda Oliver, Webb Johnson; 17 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 9:00 AM until time of service at 11:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Pallbearers will be Christopher Cavazos, Ursin Miller, Kirk Harrington, Webb Stark, Cody Quave and Dereck Quave. James Welch will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Meadows Cemetery in Merryville, LA.

The Johnson Family would like to express their gratitude to all the sitters and care givers at Companion Care in DeRidder, LA, The Verandah Memory Care in Lake Charles, LA, and Sage Oak in Lake Charles, LA. These amazing staff providers supported, cared for, and loved our mother through the disease known as Alzheimer's, and often referred to as "the long goodbye" for our family members, as it slowly steals the mind of all its memories and functions needed for daily living. We appreciate all you did for our mother to provide a safe, loving environment over the past five years.