Allyson Lynn "Darby" Lauderdale's Obituary
Allyson Lynn (Darby) Lauderdale, 62, went home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2024. She
was born in Baytown, Texas on June 26, 1961, and was raised there. She graduated from
Ross S. Sterling High School, class of 1979. She went on to study music at Sam Houston
State University in Huntsville, Texas.
Allyson was always active in her local church and while living in Waco, Texas. She was involved
in visiting Baptist Student Unions (BSU). The musical group, which she was a part of, would sing to
college students. During one of these times she met Robert Lauderdale and they were
eventually married on April 2, 1988.
Allyson was a homemaker and home-schooled their son, Ryan Lauderdale. She was active
in the local church, in the areas of worship and children’s ministries. Allyson felt blessed to
have the opportunity to be a part of leading God’s people in worship and to support the
ministry of God’s Word to children. While serving in these areas, she established life-long
friendships that endure still.
Allyson’s great love for the Lord and the musical and creative gifts she was given allowed
her to write many songs and children’s plays glorifying Jesus. The songs she wrote were
uplifting, thought provoking and focused on sharing the love of Jesus with those who did
not know Him. She had a deep love for God’s Word and later in life spent a year studying
at River Bible Institute in Tampa Florida. She grew in her understanding of God’s Word and
learned new practical applications for sharing her faith on the streets.
Allyson battled with serious health issues for the last 25 years of her life. Yet her profound faith
and trust in God allowed her to walk through those times with grace and courage.
Allyson and Robert were married for 35 years and 11 months. They were married in Axtell
Baptist church near Waco, Texas, after falling in love in the bluebonnet filled fields of east
Texas near Waco. During the spring time of each year, when the purple blossoms cover the Texas
fields, it was always a time that held warm memories for them. Through all life’s challenges they
stayed committed to each other. Their love and devotion for each other was clearly seen by
all those who knew them.
Allyson was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Elva Lee Darby, Don Dorman, brother
Alan Darby and brother-in-law David Witzel. She is survived by her husband, Robert E. Lauderdale Jr,
son Ryan S. Lauderdale of Longview, sisters Diana Yee of Albuquerque, NM, Toni Tan of Pensacola,
Florida, Donna Smith McNamara of Indiana, brothers in-law Donald Yee and Tom Tan, nieces and
nephews Laura Witzel, Nick Tan, Grace Tan, and Jessica Meeks, aunts Betty Dorman, Dianne Evans.
The celebration of Allyson’s life service will be held in the chapel at Rader Funeral Home in
Longview, Texas on March 29th, Good Friday, at 2:00pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Allyson?
What’s a lesson you learned from Allyson?
Share a story where Allyson's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Allyson you’ll never forget.
How did Allyson make you smile?