March 25, 2025, 50, Goldsboro —

Darlene Kornegay Branson, age 50, unexpectedly went home to be with Jesus in her home Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 at 2:16 a.m.

Born February 1st, 1975, in Wayne County, she is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Vivian Kornegay and her brother, Michael Grant Kornegay.

Darlene was a walking light of Jesus.

She was loved by all who met her. She dedicated her life to serving the children of Wayne country as a teacher, a director, and became a mother figure to so many. Darlene always put others before herself and never wanted anyone to walk away feeling unloved. To know her was to be loved by her. She was the most selfless, kind hearted, caring, Christ like woman you could have ever met. 

Darlene could often be found spending her time with her family, taking weekend trips, enjoying car rides, and listening to her Jesus music. She also spent a lot of time with God by praying and reading HIS word, and taught her children to do the same. Darlene would always greet people with open arms and a warm smile.

Darlene was a wonderful woman, but she was also an amazing, daughter, sister, wife and mother. 

She is survived by her father, Garry Kornegay; her sister and brother-in-law, Betsy and Daniel Rose and their children, Emerson and Arabella; her husband, Ron Branson, and their ten children, Trey and his wife, Brittany, Ginny, Gabriel, Meghan, Courtney, Addison, Olivia, Madeline, Felicity and ViviAnne and their three grandchildren, Ryver, Isaiah, and Grant.

A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 30, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Pike’s Crossroads Pentecostal Holiness Church in Pikeville. The family will receive friends following the service.

Services entrusted to the care of Howell Funeral Home & Crematory in Goldsboro.