Darlene Yvonne Smith

Smith Darlene Yvonne

May 5, 1954 – August 13, 2026

Darlene Yvonne Smith, 72, of Fairlawn, Virginia, passed away on August 13, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Darlene was born on May 5, 1954, in Pulaski, Virginia, to Cleo and James Smith. Throughout her life, she attended Jefferson Elementary School, and Lynchburg and Southwest Training Center.

Darlene was truly a joyous light who brought warmth and love wherever she went. She was loving, sociable, and quite the jokester, with a beautiful smile that will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to knowing her.

She found happiness in the simple things that made life special such as collecting paper, rocking in her favorite chairs while listening to all kinds of music. She enjoyed walks with the people she loved and could be found with plenty of jewelry—especially her favorite pearls. Darlene loved spending her time with others, whether she was out in the community or going on vacations. She did it all in true Darlene fashion, dressed in the most colorful and stylish clothes and, of course, her signature bandannas.

Darlene is survived by her brother, Jerry Ayers; Doug and Tiffany Smith and family, Audrey and Cassie; Lisa and Jr Johnston and family, Zane, Jonathan and Katie; Aunt, Geraldine Smith; and those who became family through love, Tammie Atwell and Dale Summers, Destiny and Nathan Branscome, Stephanie and Serenity Saul, Harley and Angie Atwell, and Brittany Benefield.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and James Smith; and her brothers, James E. Smith Jr. and Elwood Smith.

Those who knew Darlene will remember her laughter, her beautiful smile, her colorful personality, and the joy she found in simply being with the people she loved. She leaves behind many cherished memories and a space that can never quite be filled.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Mullins Funeral Home, 120 W. Main St., Radford, Virginia. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Carson Linkous presiding. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin, Virginia.

The Smith family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford, Virginia. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com