Darlene Jenkins Raines

Darlene Jenkins Raines, lovingly known as Maw-Maw, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful servant of God. Born on February 12, 1947, she finished her race triumphantly at 8:02 p.m. on February 14, 2026, at the age of 79, when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Maw-Maw’s life was marked by love, endurance, and unshakable strength. She was tough as nails, strong-willed, and steady—shaped by life, refined by faith, and anchored in truth. Her strength was not loud, but it was undeniable. She endured much, stood firm, and loved deeply, never wavering in her devotion to her family or her faith.

In her younger years, she was known as “Crazy Legs.” As a little girl, she would dance—spinning on her toes just to earn a nickel—already full of grit, joy, and determination. That same fire followed her throughout her life. She became the proud mother of two sons who loved her dearly, and later in life she met the man who would love her more than life itself, Steven Leonard Raines, known lovingly as Paw-Paw.

They were married on May 4th, 1996 in the backyard of their home by the creek bank—a simple, sacred union that forever changed their lives. Through this marriage, Maw-Maw became not just a stepmother to Steve’s three children, but a mother by choice. She loved them fully, fiercely, and without distinction, claiming them as her own with the heart of a true mother.

As the years passed, she was blessed with grandchildren, and her love multiplied. She became the village that helped raise them—offering discipline when needed, comfort when life was hard, and unconditional love always. Her presence was constant. Her influence was steady. Her impact was generational.

Maw-Maw gave her heart to Jesus and lived as a devoted Christian. Her faith was lived, not spoken for show. She trusted God through hardship, grief, and long seasons of perseverance. She loved to sing in church, lifting her voice in praise, and her walk with Christ was evident in the way she endured, forgave, and kept going when others might have quit.

She was an amazing cook. Her chicken and dumplings were unmatched, her biscuits were straight from heaven, and her kitchen was a place where love was served without question. Footloose was her favorite movie, and in her own way, she carried that same rhythm—strong, resilient, and full of life.

She was the definition of a faithful friend. Honest. Loyal. Unmovable. To be loved by Maw-Maw was to be covered—in prayers spoken and unspoken, in meals cooked with care, and in a presence that made you feel safe. Her life was a testimony of perseverance, obedience, and grace.

Darlene was blessed with a large and loving family. She is survived by her husband, Steven Leonard Raines; her children Louis Gerkin Jr., Jeffery Raines, Joey Raines, and Stacy Wichie; her grandchildren Sallie Ann Thompson, Devin Wichie, Lucas Kelley, Kammy LeBlanc, Charlie Owens, and Amanda Gerkin ;and her great-grandchildren Phebee Washburn, Macy-Kait Henderson, Bexley McNeilly, Naomi Raines, Rowyn LeBlanc, Rian Kelley, Hudson Kelley, Adeline Kelley, Jayden Smith, Jackson Smith, Payton Owens, and Ryder Owens. She is also survived by her sister, Rose Hoyt, with whom she shared a lifelong bond.

She was preceded in death by her son, Eddie Gerkin; her grandson, Clifford “Ryan” Kelley; her parents Levi Jenkins and Lillian Jenkins; and her beloved brothers and sisters Frank Jenkins, Henry Jenkins, Leroy Jenkins, Burnell Jenkins, Benjamin Jenkins, Olamae Jenkins Carter, Leo Jenkins, Levi Jenkins Jr., Woodrow Jenkins, and Maxine “Francis” Phelps.

Though our hearts grieve her absence, we rejoice in the promise of eternity. As Scripture reminds us, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Maw-Maw finished her race, faithful to the end.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; and she laughs without fear of the future” (Proverbs 31:25).

And now, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Her life mattered. Her love remains. Her faith endures.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Services will be held at a later date.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.