Darci G. Thompson
1977 – 2020
Darci Noel Grisso Thompson passed from this life into heaven on Friday, February 14, 2020.
The youngest of 5 children born to Wayne and Judy Grisso, Darci began melting hearts on September 8, 1977, in Shawnee, OK. Those who encountered Darci fell in love with her beautiful spirit, relentless energy, passion for life, and her love and kindness for every soul.
Darci graduated from Shawnee High School in 1996, and Oklahoma Christian University (OC) in 2000. She fell in love with OC and served the university for 20 years. She attracted thousands of students to OC and dedicated herself to their academic, social, and spiritual growth. As she started her own family, she became a champion for health and wellness, leading the OC community toward faithful stewardship of God’s gifts of life and wellness. Countless people have set and achieved goals they never would have if not for Darci’s encouragement.
Darci was a world traveler who experienced dozens of countries. She was a mountain climber who summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, and a handful of “14-ers” in the US. She dreamt of completing the 7 summits — the highest point on each continent. She was a thrill seeker who soared on ropes over the Zambezi River Gorge in Zimbabwe and skydived in New Zealand. She was a runner who completed 2 Oklahoma City Memorial marathons. There was nothing Darci could not or would not do if the idea came into her mind and she committed to it.
Darci married Mark Thompson in 2006, and became a mother to Tinley Noel Thompson in 2011, and Tallulah Lea Thompson in 2013. She was diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with Tallulah and spent her last 7 years this side of heaven researching and battling for her life and others, whilst loving her husband and daughters immensely through difficult circumstances. Her journey was shared and supported by countless friends and family, brothers and sisters in faith, who will be forever impacted by her beautiful spirit.
Darci is survived by her parents, Wayne and Judy Grisso; sister Kristi Barnett and her husband Jimmy Barnett, nieces Morgan Arnold and Autumn Barnett and nephew Slaten Barnett; brother Trace Grisso and his wife Trish Grisso, nephews Grayson Grisso and Gatlin Grisso and nieces Gabi Grisso and Graci Grisso; brother Heath Grisso and his wife Alison Grisso, nephew Cooper Grisso and niece Kate Grisso; sister Shelli Reding and her husband James Reding, niece Ricci Reding and nephew Reid Reding; husband Mark Thompson and daughters Tinley and Tallulah Thompson.
Darci loved her family. She loved the OC community. She loved her friends. She loved her daughters, Tinley and Tallulah, beyond words. She loved her husband, Mark, completely. Darci loved deeply. Her love will live on in countless lives for many generations.
A celebration of her life will be Tuesday, February 18, 2 PM, at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Edmond, OK.
Darci introduced me to OC and encouraged a visit. Her guidance at that time altered the trajectory of my life, as it did for so many others. I never saw her without a smile on her face. She was, is, and will be an inspiration to many. The brevity of her life is so tragic, but I hope those that are closest to her can at least find some comfort in her far reaching impact. She certainly did not stand idly by. My deepest condolences to her girls, husband, family and our OC community.
Darci was a true child of God. She lived and walked in his Mercy and Grace. Always with a smile and a kind word for everyone she met. Her love for her family, daughters, husband and friends was always present and she beamed with joy as she spoke about them all. After each conversation that I had with her, I was always amazed by her faith in God, her spirit and her ability to always be positive no matter how much she was going through. She loved life and was a true faithful God driven warrior till the end. I will be ever changed by witnessing her strength and courage to survivor, her strong faith and her beautiful smile. When I found out that she had went to be with the lord. My first thought was so sad, but then I realized that God took her home on Valentine’s day. What a beautiful day, the day of love. Which represented all the love she had to share with everyone in her life. To me it symbolized God showing us how much he loved her and how much she loved God. She is now in his comforting arms, pain free and sharing that warm smile with everyone in heaven. She will be dearly missed. I pray for comfort for her family, and may their warm memories of her sustain them during this difficult time.
Prayers
Darci was a tremendous inspiration to me. Her drive and zeal before and after her diagnosis was extremely desirable and contagious. She will be missed.And although others like her will come along, I’m convince no one will fill her shoes. She was truly one of a kind.
Darci welcomed me back to Edmond when I returned to finish my degree after spending time doing missions! She encouraged me to be more physically fit and taught me to swim for exercise not just for fun! Mostly she always inspired me and others in our spiritual lives! She was a warrior and although I only kept up with her from afar – I have always admired the way she always put others above her own needs and sought to challenge others to be their best person! Praying Gods peace and comfort for Mark, the girls and all Darci’s family and friends! Fly High Darci girl! You lived life well – go get your reward! We will always be better for having known you and loved by you!
This is very shocking and I’m very very sorry.. I remember as a very young girl in church probably ly the last time I saw her she was about 5.. I love u all and sending a hug to each of u..