Evangelist Darlene Rivera

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Darlene Marie (“D’Marie”) Rivera was born on October 22, 1953, at 11:30 p.m. in Pineville, Louisiana. She was the firstborn of a set of twins to parents Henry and Frances Williams. Her twin sister is Arlene Frances McAlpine. Though only five minutes older, D’Marie embraced her role as the “big sister” with enthusiasm—by age seven, she had already mastered toasting bread, scrambling eggs, braiding hair, and even piercing ears.

During her early years, D’Marie attended Holaday Elementary School in Tucson, Arizona, within walking distance of her family’s home. One of her favorite after-school activities was participating in Brownie Scouts, where she eagerly attended meetings, earned recognition, and later transitioned to Girl Scouts, proudly sewing medallions onto her sash and selling Girl Scout cookies.

After her family moved into their home near “A” Mountain in Tucson, she enrolled at Mary Lynn Elementary School, where she completed sixth grade. As a teenager, D’Marie attended Wakefield Junior High School and later graduated from Cholla High School in 1972.

Shortly after graduation, she enrolled in cosmetology school and earned a Certificate of Achievement, with dreams of opening her very own salon—her Dream Salon. She began honing her craft by practicing on her twin sister, Arlene.

A woman of remarkable talent and deep prayer, D’Marie was known for her sharp mind and creative hands. She was a gifted seamstress who took great pride in sewing her entire wardrobe, ensuring that every piece reflected her individuality. Her appreciation for beauty extended beyond clothing; she was also a talented interior designer who could transform any space into a sanctuary of warmth, style, and comfort.

In an era of fast-paced communication, D’Marie held onto the “lost art” of shorthand, a testament to her meticulous and thoughtful nature. When she was not reading or writing, she was often found in quiet reflection. A true prayer warrior, her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and her intercessions were a source of strength and covering for her family and friends.

She raised her daughters, Christel and Marcelina, in Arizona with David Rivera, instilling in them creativity, faith, and—above all—the power of prayer.

D’Marie is survived by her daughters; her grandchildren, Christian, Cameron, Renatta, Sariah, and Jeremiah; and her great-grandson, Cayden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Frances Williams.

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