Darlene Warren

Darlene Warren, affectionately called “Doll,” was born on December 13, 1954, in Sondheimer, Louisiana, to Lula Buchanan and the late Alphonso Dunbar, Sr. As a young girl, she lived in Tallulah, Louisiana, and later in Pontiac, Michigan. At the age of 15, she moved to Portland, Oregon, where she graduated from Grant High School in 1972. Shortly thereafter, she attended Portland Community College’s Sylvania campus.

On July 24, 1982, Darlene married the love of her life, Lenzie L. Warren. Their union was blessed with two children, Lyndsay and John Davay, whom she fiercely loved. She also welcomed her son-in-law, Sadarrean Murff, as one of her own. Her greatest joy was becoming “Gammy” to her cherished grandson, Chance Alijah.

Darlene accepted Christ at a young age and began directing choirs in her early twenties, a calling she embraced wholeheartedly. She lived her life for Christ and faithfully served Him through her music ministry. From the beginning, it was clear that Darlene was set apart for His work. Her dynamic and anointed directing style, deep knowledge of scripture, and heartfelt leadership inspired generations of singers. She not only taught the song but also the scripture behind it, ensuring her choirs ministered with both spirit and understanding.

Darlene was a devoted member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where she directed numerous choirs throughout her life, serving as Minister of Music until the Lord called her home on August 19, 2025. She played a central role in shaping choirs and music ministries throughout Portland and beyond. Her ministry included the New Hope choirs and praise team, multiple workshop choirs, Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), Gospel Christmas, 98 Keys, annual MLK Jr. Day celebrations, and Highland Christian Center’s 5th Sunday services. Just last Christmas, she directed a community choir for the Pioneer Courthouse Square Tree Lighting Ceremony. She previously sang with the Oregon Symphony alongside Genesis, New Hope’s former Young Adult Choir. Genesis also performed in prisons, opened for gospel greats such as Shirley Caesar and Yolanda Adams, and faithfully ministered where it was most needed. She also hosted annual workshops with David Curry of the Mississippi Mass Choir and served as a dance instructor for Jubilation and Jubilation II.

Beyond music, Darlene had an anointing for order and excellence. She served faithfully in New Hope’s finance and operations, ensuring that every detail reflected the highest standard. From coordinating musicals to assembling church programs, she brought clarity, structure, and grace to everything she touched. She also served as Executive Assistant to the late Rev. James Walter Hills, II from 2013 until his passing in 2023. Known for her ability to manage multiple responsibilities with care and composure, she was often the force that kept things moving. Though loved ones sometimes worried she was taking on too much, she would simply say, “It’s my gift.” Her commitment brought consistency and excellence to every corner of the ministry, and her impact within New Hope will never, ever, be forgotten.

Professionally, Darlene began her journey with Multnomah County before becoming a supervisor at Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon, where she served for 30 years prior to her retirement in 2010. A few years later, she joined Clackamas County, dedicating another 12 years of service before retiring again in January 2024.

Her legacy will live on in the songs she taught, the wisdom she shared, and the lives she touched. She received numerous awards for her contributions to church and community, but her greatest reward was serving her Lord and Savior with passion, joy, and excellence.

Darlene is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Lenzie L. Warren; her children, Lyndsay Warren Murff (Sadarrean) and John Davay Warren; and her grandson, Chance Alijah Murff, all of Portland, OR. She also leaves to honor her memory her loving mother, Lula Buchanan-Kelsaw; her siblings, Carl (Norma) Buchanan, Cedric (Carla) Buchanan and Felicia Buchanan (all of Portland, OR); Wanda Devers of San Antonio, TX; Alphonso (Teri) Dunbar of Oak Lawn, IL; Debra (Terry) Walker of Las Vegas, NV; and Linda (Torran) Williams of Lynwood, IL. She is remembered with love by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Early in their marriage, Darlene told her husband that if anyone ever wanted to know anything about her, he should simply say: “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

She was loved and adored by many and always known to uplift others and lend a helping hand without judgment. Her life was a song of faith, and her melody will echo forever in the hearts of all who knew her.