Laura “Claren” Rose Darby-Hickman was born to Hilda Chmilar and Clarence Darby on November 26th, 1949 in Whitehorse YT Canada. Laura had five siblings from both parents’ sides. Later on in 1963,Laura headed to Kansas City Missouri, USA. where she would reside.

While in Kansas City, Laura would have her first child, Paul Forsythe, at sixteen. Later on, Laura and Tommy Willingham had two children together, Tammie and Tommie Briscoe. Laura went on to have another son with James Woods, William Briscoe. In 2018, Laura met Ira Hickman and they were married by 2023, which gave her an addition of four children, La'chaus Wallace, Lamar Hickman, Jere Ownes, and Ronjana Ownes. They together have a legacy of over twenty grandkids, and one great grand

Laura was known to be a hard working woman who though didn’t mess around, she would help anyone in need. From Taring roofs and working in home health, to being a mother figure to the children of her neighborhood. Though rough around the edges, Laura had a true heart of gold. She loved animals, garage sales, and her grand and great “gran’babies”. She will be surely missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, March 28,2026, at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church 2835 Indiana Ave. Kansas City, Mo. 64128. The visitation will begin at 11am-12pm. The service will follow at 12 noon.