Posted by Larry Jordan on December 26, 2014, 12:52 am
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I'm sorry I overlooked the passing of a dear lady, who worked for Jim Reeves Enterprises for 23 years after Jim was gone. Known then as Darla Kent, she had been married to songwriter George Kent. He had penned songs for Jim Reeves ("How Can I Write On Paper What I Feel In My Heart"), Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and more.
Darla went to work for Mary and knew it all. She was a great source of information for me and had the "low down" on various personalities that passed through Jim Reeves Enterprises. Just recently I ran across one of my taped conversations with her on the phone. She was privy to financial matters, and was a trusted confidant of Mary's, who knew many of her secrets. Ginny King and Joyce Grey Jackson likewise worked in the Reeves office during some of those years. Darla also traveled with Mary on big trips out of town on occasion.
She was bluntly honest and was anxious for the truth about various situations to come out. I promised Darla I would include some of her stories in the next edition of my book.
Many fans around the world had contact with Darla by mail, phone and when they visited Nashville, as I did when I'd go to see Mary. I remember one day when I was in the Reeves office (when I was a teenager), Darla was particularly concerned that I hadn't had lunch and sort of looked after me while Mary was momentarily preoccupied.
The last time I was in touch with Darla earlier this year she was sharp as a tack, and then she went into the hospital for COPD and while there developed dementia, which progressed rapidly. Soon she was in hospice care.
I know how delicate this sort of situation can be within a family so I did not mention anything about it on the Fan Forum at the time. I just learned tonight she passed away a few weeks ago. I'm very saddened by this.
Darla Dorris, as she came to be called, kept up to date on Reeves estate matters and was one of Mary's heirs, whom Mrs. Reeves provided for in her will (though the lawyers have gotten millions of dollars and the heirs have gotten ZILCH). Darla also helped me confirm and fill in the details of stories that I did not include in the first edition of my book, but which I plan to put in the next printing. And she sent me extensive paperwork documentation.
She resided in Gulf Shores, Alabama and I extend my condolences to her family -- including daughters Marilyn and Kelly -- and many friends.
We never know when a new year begins what the future holds for any of us, and it is always shocking when someone who is so alive and vibrant one minute suddenly and unexpectedly succumbs to illness and is no longer among us.
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Sorry to hear about Darla's passing. The circumstances seem suspicious to me. But then, I have become very cynical when it comes to "the health care system". I am also cynical about lawyers, so Larry, when you said the lawyers have done very well from the inheritance, but the heirs have not, that was hardly a surprise to me. I advise everyone to manage their own health care, as much as they can. Don't just blindly follow the advice of doctors. I also advise everyone to have as little to do with "the legal system" as you possibly can. I speak from personal experience. I hope everyone has a good new year. And I assure you, it will be better if you can avoid doctors and lawyers.
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Thanks for the wonderful story on mom. She was a true confidant to Mary for many years. I believe mom had your book sitting out in her office. I would love to hear the radio interview sometime with her and get a copy of your next book on Jim. Just one correction, Marilyn was not her daughter. She is her step daughter-in-law. I am her only child. Thanks again for the story. Kelly Kent Barrett
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Gary, If I didn't know the circumstances of mom's death, I would think it sounded suspicious to me too. Mom had dementia for many years and to talk with her on a daily basis about current affairs you would notice. Her memory of the past was very sharp and she could recall many details of events from her earlier years. She could recall just about anything from years gone by, but had a hard time remembering if she feed her dogs. She went to the hospital for complications from her gall bladder and it rapidly sped up and quickly advanced her dementia. Up until her hospital stay in April, 2014, she was living independently at her own home. My son lived with her just to keep an eye on her but she was pretty much self-sufficient. After her hospital stay, she was taken to my home. I would never have her in a nursing home setting. They are horrible and I can't understand how loved ones can do that to someone they care so much for. I just wanted everyone to know the true story of her dementia.
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Kelly, I am sorry about your Mom's illness and death. I hope I did not hurt your feelings with my comments. If I did, I apologize. That was certainly not my intention. I admire you for taking care of your Mother. And I agree with you about nursing homes.
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Gary, you didn't hurt my feelings at all and as I said, if I were on the outside looking in, I would have thought it was suspicious also.
I appreciate the fact that you took the time to think of her.
Dementia is a cruel disease and for those that know the person well, it is sad to watch. I wish much strength on those that go through the process as a caregiver.
Re: A member of Mary Reeves' office staff passed away
Kelly, I am very sorry to hear about your Mom. My Dad had dimentia for a while also before he passed away in 2004. Like your Mom, he could remember things from years ago, but couldn't remember what he did the day before. They both had what is called "long term memory", but their "short term memory" was gone. It's a very hard to see this happening to a loved one, and not be able to do anything about it. All you could do is show your love, and you did just that. I did the same with my Dad.