July 27, 2024, 81, Goldsboro —

Ethelene Newsome Darden, 81, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center. She was born in Wayne County to the late James and Maggie Newsome on October 16, 1942. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny L. Darden; daughter, Bonnie Elaine DeFelice; son, Richard Darden; grandson, Brady Walden; and sisters, Evelyn Newsome Saunders and Betty N. Johnson.

Ethelene retired from Bussman in Goldsboro after 16 years of service. She was also a very talented seamstress and will be remembered for her kind heart and for her passions including her family and sewing. With her attention to detail, Ethelene had the opportunity to design her daughter’s wedding gown.

Ethelene was a devoted and loving mother. Her children took priority in her life and she gave them all she had. She always wanted to make sure they knew they were loved and cared for. Her grandchildren held an equally important part of her heart. She loved to watch them grow and succeed.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in Pineview Cemetery, Rocky Mount, NC. The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery.

Ethelene is survived by her daughter, Robin Darden Walden of Goldsboro; son-in-law, Ross DeFelice of Cleveland, OH; grandchildren, Bethany West, Gabi DeFelice, Katlyn Walden and Eli Kerley; and great-grandchildren, Levi and Jaxon Braddy.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in her memory to Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.