DARLENE SMITH

Johnston City-Darlene Smith 66 of Johnston City passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 20, 2012 at 3:30 A.M. at home with her family by her side. After a long hard battle with an extended illness she was escorted by Angels to her heavenly home. She led her life as an example of faith and determination.

Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday March 24, 2012 at the Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Andy Lee officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the church. Burial will be in the Whiteash Cemetery. Murman & Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Darlene was born on December 14, 1945 in Sunnyside the daughter of Orval and Bessie (Owens) Walker. She was married to Dallas Campbell on March 2, 1963. Together they had two daughters Rhonda and Debbie. She later re-married James R. "Jim" Smith on June 7, 2004 together they shared 7 years. He survives.

Darlene worked as a waitress for 30 years for Andresens Café. She was loved by all, especially her employer and special friend Janet Stallings. She was a member of the Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church.

Darlene was a loving wife, a wonderful MaMa and the best mother and friend two daughters could have. She will be forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her mother of Herrin; two daughters, Rhonda Sloan and husband Daniel of Whiteash and Debbie Bennett and husband Darren of Johnston City; three step-children, Rhonda Cutsinger of Pittsburg, Robin O'Neal and husband Darin of Olney, and Randy Smith of Johnston City; two grandchildren, Keisia Riddle of Energy and Ryan Loucks and fiancée Maranda Stearns of Marion; six step-grandchildren, Ryan Sloan and wife Amanda of Whiteash, Jared Sloan and wife Sarah of Johnston City, Erin Rodgers and husband Josh of Pittsburg, Brad Cutsinger of Pittsburg, Colin O'Neal of Olney and Katelyn O'Neal of Olney; three great grandchildren, Judah Sloan of Whiteash, Asher Loucks of Marion, and Kylee Rodgers of Pittsburg and one on the way, Lydia Sloan; one brother, Henry Walker and wife Tillie of Murphysboro; and one sister, Marilyn Gibbons of Herrin.

She was preceded in death by her father; four brothers, Loren Ray "Toby" Walker, Orval Walker, Larry Walker, and Ronnie Walker; and one sister, Letha Walker.

The family would like to thank Sharon Childers, Janet Stallings, Tina Lindsey, Amy Craig, Rev. Andy Lee, the staff of Andresens, the Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church and a special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois.