Darell Clay Jenkins

Darell Clay Jenkins, 69, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on October 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, cherished memories, and a legacy of unwavering faith.

As the firstborn child of Ardell and Geraldine Jenkins, Darell grew up in Irving, Texas, and was the big brother to four younger siblings: Dell, Diana, Delayne, and Darlene—affectionately known as the 5 "Ds." He also shared a special bond with his half-sister, Sandra and her children Shavonne, Roddy, and Chad.

While attending Nimitz High School, Darell discovered his love of writing and storytelling, serving as editor of both the school yearbook and newspaper. Later, as the sports editor for the Irving Daily News, he covered local football and Dallas Cowboys games. He loved telling stories about his meetings with Tom Landry and Tex Schram. Darell was a life-long fan of football and the Cowboys and could recount play-by- play of their games. And of every bad call by the officials—which was a lot according to him! 😊

At Northlake Community College, Darell met the love of his life, Ava Walker Jenkins, with a little help from his sister, Diana. Long conversations during van trips to speech competitions eventually led to love and marriage in May 1982. Their love story spanned 44 years of marriage and they were the proud parents of three beautiful children: Natalie, Lauryn, and Dalton.

Their family attended Plymouth Park Church of Christ, in Irving, Texas, (later renamed Spirit of Unity Church), for more than 20 years, even after moving to Keller, Texas, in 2004. Darell served as a deacon for several years and taught Sunday School classes. Later, Darell and Ava served as youth pastors, writing several "murder mystery" plays and VBS skits for the youth group to perform. The family also participated in the children’s puppet ministry known as "Jellybean Theater." Darell was the quick-witted mind behind the enigmatic "Bible Bird" character and delighted in going off-script to fluster the host.

Darell worked in Parks and Recreation for the City of Irving for 25 years before retiring in 2006. During those years, Darell and Ava wrote and directed award-winning plays for the summer One-Act Play competitions, winning the coveted "Best Play" award numerous times. In 2002, their daughter Natalie asked them to write a Christmas play for her high school theater group. She submitted the play for the group's consideration, and they loved it. Only then did she reveal that her parents had written it! This comedic play, entitled Last Minute Wishes, was later published by Pioneer Drama—an achievement that brought Darell great pride.

After moving to Keller, Darell went to work at Keller Pointe Recreation Center, where he eventually retired for a second time.

At age 52, Darell returned to college to pursue the dream in his heart of becoming a high school English teacher. He earned his bachelor's degree in education in 2014. He taught at Denton Creek School for one year before transferring to Krum High School, where he taught for nine years. One of his favorite traditions was giving each senior in his class a personalized copy of The Prophet. Another was his annual Valentine's Day retelling of how he fell in love with his wife, Ava. Due to health reasons, he retired from teaching in 2024.

Some of Darell's most treasured adventures were spent camping and exploring alongside his beloved wife, Ava. He loved being the camp cook and offering “test bacon” to the family before serving the Jenkins specialty, “biscuits and chocolate.” Whether he was hosting a “bad movie night” or serving as the creative “dungeon master” of Dungeons and Dragons games, Darell found joy in sharing the things he loved and making others a part of them.

Darell had a special gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved. Known for his corny humor, he never missed an opportunity to bring a smile, spark a laugh, or make someone roll their eyes. He loved sharing his many stories, offering a thoughtful gesture, or insisting someone listen to a song or watch a video or show he knew they would enjoy.

Above all else, Darell treasured being a husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his greatest earthly joy, and he never missed an opportunity to make them feel loved. He was a proud grandfather to Rhett, Rowan, Declan, and Henry, and each held a special place in his heart. Being a grandfather brought him immeasurable happiness, and the love he poured into his grandchildren will remain a lasting part of his legacy. In April and May 2026, Darell hosted "Bopa School" for his four-year-old grandson, Declan, who says it is his favorite memory of Bopa.

At the very center of Darell's life was his love for the Lord. In so many ways, he embodied what it meant to be a faithful Christian and selfless servant. His generosity, kindness, humility, and love were not reserved for Sundays or special occasions; they were woven into his everyday conversations, relationships, and actions. He lived his faith through the way he loved, served and encouraged his students and others. As members of Milestone Church in Keller, Texas, Darell and Ava served as volunteer premarital counselors and as "Restore" marriage counselors.

While his absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved him, Darell's legacy is not simply found in the years he lived, but in the countless lives he touched, the laughter he inspired, the stories he shared, and the love he gave so freely.

His, was a life well lived, a faith well kept, and a love that will never be forgotten!

Darell is preceeded in death by parents, Ardell and Geri Jenkins, and brother, Steven Dell Jenkins.

Darell leaves behind his Wife, Ava Walker Jenkins; Daughter, Natalie Shurley and husband David Shurley and children, Rhett Shurley and Rowan Shurley; Daughter, Lauryn Jenkins; Son, Dalton Jenkins and wife Pascale Jenkins and children, Declan Jenkins and Henry Jenkins; Sister, Diana Collier, husband Russell Collier and niece Debra Collier; Sister, Delayne Stark, husband Jerry Stark and nephew Duane Stark and his wife Stefanie Stark; Sister, Darlene Johnson and husband Mike Johnson, and niece Andrea Villanueva and husband Matt Villanueval; Half-sister, Sandra Hickox and husband Jeff Hickox, and niece Shavonne Kinley, nephews Roddy Crider and Chad Crider and wife Wendy Crider; Nephew, Steven Dell Jenkins, Jr.

He also leaves behind many more beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and other family members, who will forever cherish their memories of him.

Memorial Note: Please feel free to wear comfortable attire at the Celebration of Life, including your Dallas Cowboy’s attire, Texas Longhorn’s gear, Krum High School attire, or whatever you and Darell shared in common.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital are greatly appreciated.