Daryln Joyce Redd (Williford) was born to Otis and Thelma Williford (Williams) December 30, 1942, in Cleveland Ohio. Daryln “Sassy D”, the only daughter was the youngest of four children born in that union. Gilbert Williams, (Bah-Bah) (Deceased) Albert Williford, (Deceased), Gerald Williford, (Deceased).

Upon the divorce of her parents the children were raised by their mother in the home of her grandparents Gilbert and Beatrice Williams, who had a positive influence in their upbringing. Daryln recalled stories of what an outstanding cook her grandfather was, and that he was very business minded.  He owned his own store during a time when many African Americans were not provided many opportunities to have their own. Her grandmother was known as a beautiful, kind person who taught Daryln how to be independent and save money.  She was brought up in both the Catholic and Methodist Churches of her grandfather and grandmother respectively.

While in high school she began working at Cleveland Clinic as a nurse’s aide or a Candy Striper as they were called in those days. She recalled the fun that she had being able to go the movies and buying her own clothes using her own money. Daryln attended John Hay High School where she graduated with a business certificate. She attended Kent State University for one semester after having met the love her life while in high school to marry Reginald (Reggie) Ernest Redd, a young man from Beckley, West Virginia who had moved to Cleveland with whom she had begun dating. Subsequently, Reggie was drafted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He returned briefly and the two united in matrimony September 9, 1962, at Fellowship Lutheran Church where they were very active in the church which was an integral part of their lives. Daryln believed in God. Her faith was an important part of her. She was also on the church council. They also raised their daughter and only child in the church, Nancy Beatrice Redd (Shelton) born September 8, 1963.

Daryln and her family remained in Kansas briefly before returning to Cleveland, where they raised their daughter. Daryln had a love of music and began her early career as an office assistant for Seaway Records, where she met many well-known artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Neil Sedaka and Sonny and Cher to name a few. She loved to tell stories about “nice or how not nice they were”! Daryln was encouraged to apply for a job at General Motors after the record company moved to Detroit. She began working at General Motors in 1968, where she initially worked in the Finance Department. She made friends with her co-workers who called their social group the Racoons. They frequently went out after work to dinner, bowling, and other work-related social functions. Daryln eventually moved to the Traffic Department where she remained until she retired in 2003. She was proud of the fact that she survived in an era where there was often discrimination against women and African Americans in white collar positions. She often said, “I am a Survivor!”

Daryln was an avid bowler and bowled on the Kings and Queens, and the Cleveland Elite Bowling teams as well as many bowling leagues throughout the years.  Likewise, Daryln bowled with her niece Charlotte Atkinson-Morris and earned many trophies and enjoyed the friendships that she acquired participating in bowling leagues. Her bowling teams affectionately called her “Auntie”. When not bowling they took cruises to Mexico and the Caribbean which she enjoyed with Nancy also. Daryln loved playing tennis especially with her sister-in-law Jacqueline Redd Powell (Aunt Jackie) who challenged Daryln with her mean backhand, but Daryln had a strong wicked forehand!

Daryln loved spending time with family and friends, she was especially fond of going to West Virginia, where she was embraced by her in-laws especially her mother in-law Ernestine Redd (Deceased).  Daryln loved her family in Cleveland as well and was often supportive of them. Family was important to her, and she did her best to demonstrate that, sometimes with tough love, but non-the less she always tried to maintain a sense of unity with her nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Daryln and Reggie remained together until 1991, when they separated.  However, they maintained a cordial relationship that centered on their daughter Nancy, who Daryln loved very much and imparted her sense of style, dignity, and independence. They enjoyed shopping, and taking cruises, or just having a “Me Day” going for a ride in the country to discover odds and ends and of course a good restaurant. Daryln was also Nancy’s biggest fan! She often attended Nancy’s performances and encouraged her to “Shake what her Mamma Gave Her!” and to “Shake her apples” Percussion Instruments. Daryln was very proud of her daughter’s musical accomplishments, as well as how her daughter cared for others.  Daryln loved and adored her Grandson, David Shelton Jr.  as well as his friends whom she also considered her Grandsons and supported them as well.  Daryln often attended many of David’s sporting events while growing up, as well as enjoyed giving him pointers on how to use his size to get rebounds while playing basketball. She enjoyed rooting for him and his friends Brandon Brown, Greg Brooks, DeJuan Brooks, and Jacob Howe. Daryln loved sports and was a huge fan of Cleveland Sports Teams especially the Browns and Cavaliers! She watched and attended many of their games.

Daryln is survived by her beloved friend, partner, and husband Reggie, loving devoted Daughter and Grandson Nancy and David as well as Raymond McNiece Nancy’s life partner who also loved Daryln, Grannddaughter LaKeisha Shelton Feaster (Erie); Sister-in-law Jacqueline Powell (Redd) and son Reggie Law, Kevin Levert (God son) and his mother Barbara who she loved dearly and cared for her during her illness. Her niece JoDell Williford-Howard and Adopted daughter Montrie Rucker-Adams who helped care for Daryln during her illness.  All the Beautiful Ladies who cared for her at home Debra Raines, Kathleen Waters, Alicia Johnson, Diane Jackson & Jessica Richardson. The Elara Hospice Team including Nurse Judy Carson RN and Chaplin Brian who were unwavering in her care.  Also, the staff at the Kemper House, who cared for her in last year of life, In addition to many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.