Darlene Mace Smith, 90, of Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025 after a long, hard-fought illness.
Born in Burke County, NC on November 19, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Herman T. Mace and Mary Lois Mull Mace.
Darlene was a member of Burkemont Baptist Church for many years, but she had recently been attending the church she attended as a child, Mull’s Grove Baptist Church. She loved to go to church and read her Bible, and she taught Sunday school and made crafts for her lessons. Darlene was a GA leader, and a leader of both Mission Friends and Awanas. She enjoyed sewing and was a magnificent seamstress. She loved all children (especially her grandchildren), cooking, and having fun.
In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Carroll H. Smith; son-in-law, Ken Childers; brothers, Walter Mace (Iva), Winfred Mace, Leon Poteet, Truett Poteet (Shirley), Britt Poteet, and Alana Poteet Smith (Harold); niece, Aleta Smith, and nephews, Sammy Mace. Darlene was also preceded in death by her 4-legged friend, Grandpuppy Zachy.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Harlan Smith; daughter, Janet Smith Childers; grandchildren, Cara, Darvi, Dakota, Garan, and Mace Childers; step-grandson, Matthew Childers (Sheri), step-great-granddaughter, Madison Childers; sister-in-law, Mimi Web; nieces and nephews, Suzette Smith, Chris Smith, LaVerne Smith (Rick), Connie Smith Walker, Steve Mace (Alice), Chris Mace (Kim), Cheryl Pritchard, Sandy Causby, Lisa Duckworth, Tommy Calhoun (Crystal), and Phil Calhoun; and many beloved great-nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dean McCurry, Chaplain Janet Smith Childers; and Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Cindy Duckworth, Margaret Carswell, Connie Cook, Patty Justice, and Thedy Bowman, for providing care to Darlene and helping to relieve some of the stress on the family. They would also like to thank the staff of Via Hospice for the love and care shown to Darlene, especially by Samantha B., Angela, Pam, and Sherry.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Such a sweet lady. I always enjoyed talking to her. Continued prayers for all of the family
Prayers for the family. Darlene was a wonderful person . Heaven has gained another angel.
I worked with Darlene years ago at the start of my career. She was such a kind and caring person who was always willing to help. My condolences to the family. .
Harlan & Janet , We were so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. She will be greatly missed. She was one special lady. Always smiling when we would meet her and Harlan. She was one of the sweetest woman that we have ever met. She will live on forever in our hearts. ❤️ May she rest in eternal peace.
We are so sorry to hear about your mom .
Ms. Darlene was a very special lady. She was always welcoming and faithful to her Sunday School class. We'll be praying for Janet and the children, Aaron and Cari Bridges
Heaven has gained another Angle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as they have been for sometime now. We love you.
Harlan, i was saddened to hear of the passing of your mother. She was such a sweet lady that will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family through this difficult time, goodbye my friend until we meet again.
Janet and Harlan. Dean and I are so saddened to hear about the passing of your mom. She was the prettiest and sweetest lady and always had a contagious smile. I loved coming to her house on Sunday’s after church and Janet and I were always the best friends. Mama always thought the world of Darlene. There was only four days difference in their age. Mom’s mind deteriorated quickly but she never forgot Darlene and her close friends. Mom passed on 8/4/25 so I know they are rejoicing together now. Janet and Harlan we love you and if there if anything we can do please let us know. Praying. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mrs. Smith was one of the most kind women I ever knew in this world. Only God in her heart could she be so loving towards everyone she ever encountered. It was a privilege to have known her and been blessed by her for so many years. There's no doubt that she is with her Savior in heaven this day, and I know her family has that comfort of this knowledge too.