On August 19, 1962, in Dallas County, Texas, Darla Jean Moss came into this world and into the arms of a family filled with love, compassion, and kindness. From the very beginning, Darla carried a gentle and nurturing spirit, one that would remain with her throughout her life and leave an unforgettable mark on every soul she encountered.

Darla’s life was centered around the people she loved. She became a mother in 1982, welcoming the first of her three children, and from that moment forward, her greatest joy was found in being a mom. Her children—Christie, David, and Sonya—were truly her world, and everything she did was for them. In 1989, she met the love of her life, John Garsjo, who became not only her husband but also her best friend and partner in every sense of the word. Together they shared love, laughter, and memories that her family will hold close forever.

She was a woman of many simple but beautiful joys. Darla loved to crochet, creating pieces not just with yarn but with love, each one carrying a part of her in it. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her closest friends, and anyone who needed comfort or kindness. To know Darla was to know warmth—you could not be around her without feeling cared for, accepted, and loved. She had a way of making every room brighter just by being in it.

In her later years, Darla made her home at Harbor Lakes Nursing and Rehabilitation. While there, she created lasting bonds with caregivers, nurses, and residents who quickly became more than just acquaintances—they became family. Even as she fought through her courageous battle with cancer, her focus was never on herself but on the happiness and well-being of those around her. She faced every trial with faith, grace, and strength, and through it all, she remained a God-fearing woman whose trust in the Lord never wavered. Her life was a testimony of love and resilience, and even in her hardest moments, she gave others hope.

On August 15, 2025, Darla took her final breath here on earth and entered into eternal peace. While her time was cut far too short, the legacy she leaves behind will never fade. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who poured her heart into others and lived a life full of compassion, kindness, and unwavering faith.

Darla was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Eugene Moss, Clara Chambless, and Lemuel Lloyd Chambless; her beloved husband, John Garsjo; and her brothers, James Moss and Steven Moss. And her grandson; David J Helton. 

She is survived by her three children, Christie Vaughn, David Vaughn, and Sonya Vaughn; her five grandchildren, Nevaeh Lightfoot, Dakota Lightfoot, Sarah Vaughn, Summer Vaughn, and David Vaughn; and her siblings, Pamela Gladson and husband Michael Gladson, and Troy Moss and wife Bobbie Saraceni.

Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and everyone blessed enough to know her. Though her earthly journey has ended, her spirit remains in every hug, every smile, and every act of kindness carried forward in her name.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7