Darla Jo Walkup, 54, passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 18, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Derrel Monday and Rev. Wayne Hollinshead officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Smith Funeral Home.

Darla was born on January 21, 1971, in Chillicothe, Texas, to Derwood and Mary Jo Davis Gravley. She married the love of her life, Shawn Walkup, on April 15, 2006, in Quanah. Darla was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church and worked as the Inmate Records Supervisor at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Childress.

A master cake baker, Darla delighted in scrapbooking and crafting. She was a strong woman of unwavering faith, whose radiant smile shone even on the toughest days. Her selfless nature and nurturing spirit made her the glue that held her family together. Darla had a special bond with her son, Chase, lovingly calling him her "little monkey." She was an active 4-H Leader in food, arts, and crafts and a pillar of her community, inspiring everyone around her.

Darla is survived by her loving husband, Shawn Walkup of Quanah; her beloved son, Chase "Cowboy" Walkup of Quanah; her father, Derwood Gravley of Quanah; sisters, Jerolyn Beyer (and husband Craig) of Abilene, and Judith Gravley (and partner Allen Moffett) of Anson; sister-in-law, Sheryl Dunn (and husband Monty) of Childress; niece, Sheyenne Leija (and husband Eric) of Portsmouth, Virginia; nephew, Isaiah Dunn of Childress; as well as three great-nephews, and many cherished cousins, aunts, and uncles.

Darla was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Jo Gravley, and her mother-in-law, Veda Walkup.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to a local charity of your choice, in honor of Darla's giving spirit.

Darla will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, faith, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those she touched.