Darlene Bryant Gill

Darlene Bryant Gill, 81, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and friends. Born on March 10, 1944, in Auburn, Darlene was the daughter of the late Emmett Clarence Bryant and Tommie Elizabeth Eason.

Darlene graduated from Auburn High School in 1962 and went on to marry Carl Harris in 1964. Together they lived in Marietta and Rome, Georgia, before eventually parting ways after 16 years of marriage. Darlene then returned to her beloved hometown of Auburn, where she remained for the rest of her life.

Professionally, Darlene served Auburn University in the School of Architecture and the School of Human Sciences, but she found her true calling as the Athletic Bookkeeper for Auburn City Schools. There, she was a fixture in the lives of countless coaches, students, and parents—always offering encouragement, help, and one of her signature radiant smiles. Darlene retired from Auburn City Schools in 2014, under the incredible leadership of Coach Clay McCall, leaving behind a legacy of joy and service.

Faith was the cornerstone of Darlene’s life. A founding member of Auburn Community Church, she embraced the mission to make it a multigenerational space. She invited everyone she met; cashiers, nurses, waitresses, and even strangers in parking lots in hopes that they would experience the love of Jesus. Darlene started a Bible study group that remains active today and faithfully served as a Sunday greeter, welcoming others with warmth and light that truly reflected her Savior.

Darlene was endlessly creative. She poured love into every handmade item she gifted, from embroidered treasures to baby gifts which were always accompanied by heartfelt prayers. Her love for gardening, especially flowers, reflected the beauty she brought into the world.

Though her early life was difficult, Darlene met every hardship with remarkable grace, rooted in an unwavering faith. She was the heartbeat of her family, the matriarch who brought everyone together with laughter, home-cooked meals, and unconditional love. Even as she faced significant health challenges, especially in her final years, Darlene remained joyful and full of gratitude. Her decision to enter hospice care was marked not by surrender, but by intention. She chose to love, to speak truth, and to bless others until the very end. She lived well. She died well. Her life was a testimony of faith, hope, and love.

Darlene is survived by her children: Kelly Harris Aulner (Jimmy), Wesley Newton Harris (Michelle), and Katherine Elizabeth Placek.
She was a proud and loving grandmother to: Abby Aulner Bell (Morgan), Madison Aulner Burr (Greg), Harrison James Aulner (Clair), Allysa Reyes (Tony) and Andrew Harris, Charlie Placek, Veda Placek. Her joy was multiplied by her great-grandchildren: Jonathan James Bell, Joy Elizabeth Bell, Joshua Walton Bell, Carter Elyse Burr, Anderson Gregory Burr, James Cole Aulner, and Sky Marie Garcia.

Though her family and friends will miss her dearly, we take great comfort in knowing that Darlene is now with her Savior, and we are confident she was welcomed into eternal life with the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

A Celebration of Life for Darlene will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Auburn Community Church (2200 Hamilton Road, Auburn, AL), where she faithfully served and loved so well. Family will receive visitors at the church beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Flowers may be sent to Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home (1500 Frederick Road, Opelika, AL), or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Auburn Community Church, P.O. Box 105, Auburn, AL 36831.

Above all, we invite you to honor Darlene’s legacy by showing kindness and sharing the love of Jesus with someone today, just as she so often did.