Harriet Davis Darling

Harriet Davis Darling, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born April 8, 1934, in Anderson, South Carolina, Harriet grew up immersed in sports and family. Her father, Joseph Wallace Davis Jr., was a college football and basketball coach. His career took him from Clemson in South Carolina to Rice University in Houston where she and her sister grew up. Harriet graduated from Lamar High School in Houston and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in English at Rice University. She was a member of the university’s archery program, lettering in the sport and a devoted football and basketball fan to the Rice Owls.

Harriet’s life took her to many places and through many chapters. In addition to South Carolina and Houston, she lived in Chicago, Orange County, California and ultimately Overland Park, Kansas. Throughout her professional life, she worked in a variety of roles and industries, including public elementary schools, Tenneco Gas, The Walt Disney Company, and United TeleCom/Sprint.

But the most important part of Harriet’s life was always her family and the people she loved.

She was a devoted mother to her three children, Allison Davis Darling, Lynette Elizabeth Ubel (Douglas Ralph Ubel), and Sturgis “Chip” Williams Darling III; a proud grandmother to Kayla Lingenfelter (Luke), Brandon Ubel (Stephanie), Alex Foster and Amanda Foster; and a passionate great-grandmother to Clara, Eliza and Hudson Lingenfelter and Addison and Bennett Ubel. She truly cherished the generations that followed her and the many family memories created along the way.

Harriet was also deeply committed to her community. Over the years, she gave her time and energy to organizations and causes important to her, including PTA, Parent Advisory Council, Leanne Britain Infant Development Center, Shawnee Mission Hospital Foundation Board, Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, the Rice University Alumni Association, and a variety of social and community activities. At Rolling Hills Church, she served as an Elder and participated on the Pastor Search Committee and she was a Board member and eventually Emeritus with the Shawnee Mission Medical Center Foundation Board.

Those who knew Harriet will remember her for her warmth, her strength, her curiosity, her love of family, and the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She leaves behind not only her family, but a multitude of friends whose lives were touched by her smile, her laugh, and her kindness.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Martha Davis Stewart, and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by loved ones including her mother and father Joseph Wallace and Naomi Dick Davis and her brother-in-law Don M. Stewart.

A private, family graveside service will be held at Johnson County Funeral Chapel. Friends and Community are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life, Saturday, October 10, 2:00 to 4:00 pm, Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, LongHouse Community Room.

Additional details and memories may be shared below.

Harriet lived a full and meaningful life, leaving a lasting legacy in the family she loved, the community she served, and the many people fortunate enough to call her friend.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The Leanne Britain Infant Development Center or the Neely/Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund at Rice University (hyperlink to come)