of Marshall, AR
September 29, 1939 - June 18, 2016
Darlene Fern Kelley, age 76 of Marshall, Arkansas stepped into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, June 18th, 2016 at Cox Medical Center in Branson, Missouri. She was born in Star Mountain, Arkansas on September 29th, 1939 to Rufus Thompson and Evelyn (Knowles) Thompson.
Darlene was a faithful member of South Mountain Freewell Baptist Church where she filled many roles over the years. She enjoyed making music and singing before the Lord. Darlene played the guitar, piano and dulcimer. She was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed many crafting projects. She worked throughout her life at a number of jobs and retired with the Area Agency on Aging. Darlene was a member of the local VFW and Farm Bureau. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Bobby Thompson.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, James H. Kelley of the home; one daughter, Carla (Kelley) Ramsey and son-in-law, Jerome of Springdale; one son, James R. Kelley and daughter-in-law, Holly of Woodbridge, VA; one brother, Johnnie R. Thompson and sister-in-law, Ralpholene of Marshall; one sister, Corene (Thompson) Daniel and brother-in-law, Wayne of Mabelvale; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends.
Funeral services for Darlene will be 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016 at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade, Bro. Jimmy Don Tibbetts and Bro. Jim Mize officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 till 8:00 PM Tuesday, June 21st, 2016 in the Chapel. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cam Thompson, Kenneth Daniels, Chad Daniel, Jerome Ramsey, Dennis Kelley and Bryan Kelley. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
Our heartfelt sympathy to James and family in the loss of your loved one. Some great memories have been made with our Watts family gatherings and outings . Many of which Darlene attended. One I especially remember and cherish is when she and her sister Corene played the dulcimers and brother Bobby Gene sang for us. We send our love and prayers to you at this time. May you be comforted in Gods love.
Marinda and Rick Holliman
May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Please know you all are in my prayers.
Dear James & Family,
You have our prayers at this time. Parting with loved ones is so difficult. we recall so vividly seeing Darlene and hearing her music along with the other members of her family at the Watts Reunion. May your family be comforted at this time.
Sincerely
Wendell & Kathy (Watts) Culberson
I am so sorry for the loss of Darlene. She was a very special lady in more ways than one. She knew no stranger and always had a smile for everyone she seen. She is a very special Angel that has been called home to with our lord. My thoughts and prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Our hearts are so sadden by the passing of Darlene, one thing for sure we know she will be waiting for us to join her some day. James and family the Watts family send each of you love and hope for a peace to come soon to all of you. Wish I could be there to attend the services for Darlene, please know I will be in spirit! Love to each of you.
Barbara and the Watts Family
Words cannot express the loss of a mother. May God Bless and guide you through this time of loss. My prayers are with you Carla and your family.
Carla and family, I am so sorry to her about the loss of your sweet mom. You and the family will be in my prayers
Sad to hear of Darlene's passing over Jordan, but know Jesus guided her to Endless Joys Above. She was a true Proverbs 31 lady! Our prayers & love are with you, James, Carla, & Buddy~Betty Ann & Steve
So saddened by the sudden loss of Aunt Darlene. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Uncle James and family. Love you all.
Debbie, Parke and family
It seemed sudden to read about the loss of your wife and mom, Darlene. I will remember her well from seeing her work in her yard and at the South Mtn. Fire Department gatherings. My grown girls knew immediately who your Mom was because we always look and mention "Kelley's Corner". I will pray for comfort and peace for your family. You have my heartfelt condolences.
Carla, so sorry to hear of your great loss. May God bless you and your family in this time of grief.
Carla & family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear mother. I have very fond memories of your mom working at Ben Franklin. She was always so friendly and helpful. My prayers are with you all during this sad time. Christy
So sorry to hear about your sweet Mom, Carla. Praying for you and your family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Carla and Family, you have our condolences. Your mom was such a nice person. I always looked for her in Ben Franklin's and later at Jones'. She was talented and caring.
James, Carla & Buddy. We are so sorry for your loss. Ms Darlene was such a sweet & beautiful woman inside and out. Our family is so grateful for all the attention she has given to our Mom all these years. Thank you for sharing your wife and mother with us. God has called home the special. angel he sent to our community. She will be remembered by all as she was loved by all. We will be praying for all the family at this difficult time. Love Sara & James.