Darlene Patricia Ann Hardimon, a trailblazing healthcare administrator, educator, and passionate community leader, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, at the age of 77. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Willie Hardimon Jr. Her legacy is one of lifelong service, unshakable integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.

Born on December 12, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Clifton and Dorothy (Davis) White, Darlene was raised with strong values and a love for education. She graduated from East Technical High School in 1965 and soon entered the healthcare field, beginning her career as a Nurse’s Aide at the Sisters of St. Vincent Charity Hospital. Her ambition and devotion to service led her through a dynamic 27-year tenure at the hospital, advancing into roles including department secretary for the Lions Eye Association and ultimately serving as Director of Ambulatory Care.

After her time at St. Vincent, Darlene brought her talents and leadership to Northeast Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, Inc. (NEON), where she served as the Associate Director of Nursing Affairs and Coordinator of Quality Improvement and Research, overseeing a staff of over 40 employees. Her deep knowledge of health systems, combined with her passion for excellence, made her a highly respected figure in public health leadership.

Darlene held both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology, the latter with a specialization in Diversity from Cleveland State University. She was credentialed by the National Training Laboratories (NTL) Institute for Applied Behavioral Science as a certified Diversity Specialist, and she consulted widely across public and private sectors. Her published work, “Diagnosing the Cultural Competence of Hard-Hatted Women,” reflects her commitment to equity and representation in the workplace.

A recognized voice on issues of healthcare, welfare reform, and cultural competency, Darlene was featured on WEWS News Channel 5’s Kaleidoscope and Cleveland State University’s Black Studies radio program. She was a sought-after speaker, educator, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond the walls of any single institution.

Darlene held numerous leadership roles in esteemed national and local organizations. She was the past president of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. (TLOD-Greater Cleveland Chapter). Nationally, she served as Chairman of Community Partnerships for TLOD. Darlene was a past president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW– Western Reserve Section). Darlene was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alpha Omega Chapter. As the International Great Lakes Representative for Graduate Advisory Certification with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she guided and empowered future generations of women leaders.

Darlene was a member of The National Coalition of 100 Black Woman, Inc., Greater Cleveland Chapter.  She was our past chair of the Health Committee and chair of Women of Vision Chair.  Darlene was also a member of the Black Women’s Political Action Committee (BWPAC), the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the NAACP, consistently advocating for justice, equity, and access. She was the National Director of Education for the Churches of God and True Holiness She also served on several boards, including the Cleveland Job Corps Nursing Program and the Jordan Community Resource and Residential Center (JCRC).

In 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Willie Hardimon Jr., whom she met at East Technical High. Together, they raised three sons: Willie “Trae” III, Clifton “Clif”, and Kevin, building a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Darlene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, mentor, and friend — deeply admired for her grace, intellect, and steadfast dedication to helping others succeed.

Her influence was felt in every room she entered — whether it was a hospital boardroom, a classroom, a community meeting, or her own home. Her legacy will endure in the lives she touched, the institutions she shaped, and the principles she lived by.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her three sons, Willie Hardimon III, Clifton Hardimon and Kevin Hardimon (Mitzi), all of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren; Niyana Hardimon-Schellhous (Tracy), Cornelia Hamilton, Jade Brielle Burnett, Cheyenne N. Hardimon, Amiyah N. Hardimon, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She also leaves behind a vibrant legacy of leadership, scholarship, faith, and service that will continue to inspire generations to come.