Darlene Roth

Darlene R Roth, PhD

02/02/1941 – 03/31/2021

Born and raised in Southern California with her big brother Ron Roth, Darlene started her life with amazing and supportive parents, Ellis and Vivian who helped guide her to her many successes.

Darlene excelled in academia being a straight A student. She received her undergrad from UC Berkeley, masters in philosophy from Occidental and a doctorate in philosophy from George Washington University in Washington DC.

She lived in multiple states in the US and traveled the world throughout Europe and Asia. During her time in Atlanta, GA, she was married to Dana White, PhD, a professor at Emory University, for several years. She joined the Atlanta History Center as Director of Exhibitions and Collections in 1989. She started her own company in 1997.

Darlene founded and left a legacy of history in Atlanta. She excelled as one of the first female professors, but more than that, as a historical researcher, teaching as she went, and opening up new sites, both cultural and historical, especially in African American communities, bringing to light the rich heritage of black society and culture in that city. Darlene's unique management style and perceptiveness led her students to her for inspiration and she always provided it in ways that were never expected.

Darlene was a; historian, museum curator, accomplished writer with several books published, speaker, opera singer & costume designer, business owner, adjunct professor at Emory University in Atlanta, one of the first Women’s Studies professor, credited as a founder of the field of study of public history, chair artist / decorator, cat lover. 
She was good friend, daughter, sister, and auntie. A beautiful soul, a kind spirit and so fun to be around, Darlene (lovingly known also as Sissy) lived a full and big life. She will be deeply missed by many.

A memorial service was held for Darlene Roth on Saturday, April 10, at 1:30, via Zoom.

To request a video recording of the service, please e-mail Kimberly Steele at: kimberly.steele@yahoo.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Darlene Roth, please visit our floral store.