Darlene Joyce Kelley

Darlene Joyce Kelley of Newport, TN passed away on January 10th, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on October 2nd, 1950, to the late Willis and Dorothy (Price) Kelley in Millville, NJ, Darlene spent 75 wonderful years spreading joy to any and all around her.

 Darlene had a gift for making people laugh, feel safe, and deeply loved. Most of her time was spent caring for her family, talking with friends, watching football, and faithfully enjoying The Kelly Clarkson Show weekly. Her greatest joy, however, was her family, especially her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

Darlene had a special love for cardinals and hummingbirds, finding beauty and meaning in their presence. To those who loved her, they now serve as gentle reminders of her enduring love and the comfort she brought to so many.

She was preceded in death by her brother Lawrence Kelley and her beloved daughter Stephanie Houchins. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kellilyn and Jim Bower, sister Dorothy Laisi and husband Walter, brother Daniel Bowers and wife Tammy, sister-in-law Betty Ann Kelley, and her cherished grandchildren: Amber and David Taylor, Jimmy Hiles (Kesha), Kyle and Megan Hiles, Kelsy Hiles, Danielle Vasaturo, and Tara Vasaturo (Trenton). She also leaves behind her treasured great-grandchildren: Aiden, Kambryn, Blake, Bryson, Kaius, Xade, Jasiah, Sadie, Taylie, Landon, Millie, and Kamron, along with several nieces, nephews, and her special friend Mary.

Though her absence is deeply felt, Darlene’s/Mommom's love remains, woven into every memory, reminding us always that her love will never truly leave us.

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