Darlene Cato was born January 12, 1951, in Youngstown, Ohio, daughter of Governor Cato and Hortense Herring Cato. Darlene was a 1970 graduate of East High School. After high school Darlene, as an independent young woman, found employment at the Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company and furthered her career as an employee of General Motors in Lordstown, Ohio.

Darlene’s pride and joy was revealed when she gave birth to her one and only son, Torry Dwayne Cato, on May 27, 1975. As Torry progressed to adulthood, and in the marriage to Vonetta Jenkins Cato, Darlene’s overwhelming love extended to her daughter-in-love and to her four grandchildren. Darlene was very engaged in the successes of her grandchildren, attending football games, basketball games, birthday parties and more.

Darlene, most of all, enjoyed gathering family and friends for the holidays, and preparing meals for everyone’s enjoyment. Darlene was a dedicated loving daughter and granddaughter, instrumental in the health, care and well-being of her own parents, listed above, and grandparents Lonnie and Mattie Herring of Massillon, Ohio. In her free time, Darlene would treat herself to playing the penny slot machines at Hollywood or Mountaineer Casinos.

On Wednesday March 11, 2026, she departed this life at Mercy Health-St. Joseph Hospital in Warren, Ohio. Her warm, caring spirit and bright-eyed, radiant smile will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Darlene leaves to cherish her memory, her loving grandchildren Tre’Von, Torry, Tyrese (Amisha), and Ta’Jai Cato of Youngstown; great grandchildren, X’ion, Aria, Devyn and Tyrese (JJ) Jr.; her brother Earl Cato of Youngstown, and her bonus children Ellington Stewart (Youngstown), Billy and Victoria Neal (Detroit), Cameron & Susan Stewart (Chicago), Vonetta Cato (Youngstown) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

In the final years of her life, Darlene received care from one closer than a daughter, Michelle Smith, who with a loving heart, resided with Darlene for many years, tending closely to her medical requirements, preparing meals, keeping doctor’s appointments in order, and all the other day-to-day personal care needs; all done with the utmost love, respect and gentle support, while raising her own son, Aaden (Darlene’ bonus grandson).

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Torry Dwayne Cato, and sisters Sylvia Kay Stewart and Janice Cato.

A message for all family and friends, understand that our time on earth is for a short while. This is not the end, it’s a Heavenly Beginning; Be Strong in the Lord and continue to care for one another as you honor, Darlene, Aunt Dee Dee, Mother, Sister, Cousin and Friend. To God be All Glory for this Celebration of Life.

We invite all who knew and loved Darlene to join us in celebrating her remarkable life and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. Your presence will be comforting to her family as they navigate this profound loss.

A 10:00 AM public viewing will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the chapel of the at J E Washington Funeral Home, 2234 Glenwood Ave, in Youngstown. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11:00 AM, where Minister Wallace Jenkins will officiate. After the committal ceremony, Darlene will be laid to rest at Tod Homestead Cemetery, 2200 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, Ohio, 44505, in a serene setting that reflects her peaceful nature.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Darlene Cato elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.