Darlene Smithson

Yvonne Darlene Smithson, 85-year-old resident of Doniphan, departed this life Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. She was born Feb. 28, 1939, in Briar, to the late Gladys L. “Sybil” Hall.

Darlene “Nana Darby” faithfully attended First Christian Church for many years and enjoyed attending CWF (Christian Women’s Fellowship) with the ladies of the church. She was an avid reader, enjoyed completing puzzles and word finds, and always had a sweet treat nearby.

Darlene loved attending, watching, and playing sports. If you were greeted by the smell of popcorn when entering her house, you knew the Cardinals were on TV. Her favorite sport, of course, was golf. She played golf courses and tournaments from Southeast Missouri to Florida and everywhere in between. She shared this sport with family and friends too numerous to name. Her No. 1 partner was her husband Allen “Poppy”.

Her greatest joys were spending time with her great-grandkids, Adalynn and Zander, and she was thrilled to see them take up golf this past summer at the ages of 6 and 3. And of course, her grandpuppies always eagerly awaited their treats from Nana.

On Feb. 7, 1959, Darlene married Allen Smithson in St. Louis, Mo. He preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 2014. She is now reunited in heaven with her husband, mother, and brother, Dwayne.

Darlene is survived by her son, Doug Smithson and his wife, Kim; her daughter, April Green and husband, Doug; their children, Keshia and Andrew Russell; and grandpuppies, Lucy and Oliver; Kody and Stephanie Berrong, and their children, Adalynn Claire and Zander Michael.

Visitation was held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, Jan. 16, beginning at noon with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Reverend John Harwell officiated, and burial was in the Doniphan City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, take your family out for ice cream in memory of Darlene’s favorite sweet treat. May this gesture honor cherished memories of Darlene and time spent with family and friends.