Darcell Elise Deane (affectionately known as "Dee") was born on the beautiful island of Key West, Florida January 10, 1953. She was the oldest daughter of five children to the late Ralph Welters and Frankerline Deane Welters.
With the guidance of her maternal aunties, she was baptized at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. In her informative years, Darcel! attended Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School and would later transfer to Frederick Douglass High School after integration; she attended and graduated from Key West High School.
Darcell's experiences equipped her with the necessary tools to effectively connect with others, enabling her to achieve results that would not have been possible otherwise. Instead of letting setbacks defeat her, Darcell drew strength from each experience, rising each time with greater determination and a renewed sense of purpose. Her resilience became the bedrock of her journey, inspiring those around her to persevere through adversity. Her life journey consists of many challenges and experiences on which she built her strength and character.
Known for her loving heart, generous spirit and her outspoken personality, Dee's greatest joy was found in her connections with her children, family and friends. Her selfless nature extended far beyond her loved ones as she dedicated countless hours to volunteering for community charities. The impact of her commitment and compassion is woven into the fabric of the community she served, and she will be deeply missed by all who benefited from her kindness. She left her gifts on everyone who was blessed to know her, always offering kindness with a welcoming smile in every interaction.
Ecclesiastes 3:2 states that "there's a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot." On August 28, 2025, God knelt by Darcell's side and, with a silent plea, asked her to rest. He told her, "My child, your work down here is complete, and now it's time to come home with me."
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jesse Lee.
Darcell leaves behind a legacy of love and sorrow in the hearts of her beloved children: Nobleza Mirth Adams (Michael) and Nalio Ayala Sr.; her adoring six grandchildren: Me'Chelle (Leaigha) Adams, Jasmine Adams Carpel (Claude), Briana Adams Grimes (Hudson), Michael Adams II, Deonza Ayala and Nalio Ayala Jr.; her loving four siblings: Rocelia Henderson (Ernest), Gail Miller (Anthony), Fanchon Welters, and Trond Welters; ten nieces & nephews;15 grand nieces and nephews; her devoted in-laws who embraced, loved and considered her part of their family: Lizzie Taylor, Annie McGowan (Arthur), Rose Marie Lee (Bobby), Charles Lee & Joseph Lee (Bertha), along with their children and entire family; a host of cousins as well as many sorrowful friends, all will forever hold Dee's spirit close and carry cherished memories of her in their hearts. .