Darlene Thompson

Darlene Thompson, age 77, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away on June 10, 2026. She was born May 15, 1949, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to the late Blan and June Gayle Thompson and spent her early life on the family farm in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia. The love of nature was instilled in Darlene at a young age, influenced by her time on the family farm and by her father, Blan, who worked for the forestry service. Throughout her life, she preferred being outdoors and loved admiring God’s handiwork of nature. The Asheville area’s mountain vistas and wildlife reminded her of her beautiful home in West Virginia. Darlene could often be found taking daily walks through her neighborhood, where she became a beloved friend to many. Among Darlene's many accomplishments include her graduation from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in social work (corrections) in 1978 and her career with the Salvation Army in Asheville from 1978 until her retirement in 2018. She served first as a social worker then as director for the Federal Bureau of Prisons Community Corrections Program managed by the Salvation Army in Asheville. She had volunteered on behalf of the Salvation Army following hurricane disasters in West Virginia and South Carolina. Darlene was deeply involved in her community. Over the years, she had served as a board member of the American Red Cross and had been a member of the local Audubon Society, Habitat for Humanity, and March of Dimes. She had also participated in the establishment of the Beaver Lake Sanctuary and renewal projects for Beaver Lake in Asheville. Darlene’s mother taught her to read the local newspaper at age three and she remained a lifelong learner. Darlene went back to school in her sixties and received an online Master’s Degree in Christian counseling. An avid reader, Darlene challenged herself to learn a new word daily. She enjoyed nature photography and writing poetry. She had served as a freelance writer and photographer for Trips and Journeys magazine, as well as publishing entries in Birds and Blooms and articles in The American Correctional Association and Chief of Police magazines. Her faith was an important part of her life with many charitable donations given to reflect her caring. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Marie Harper; brother-in-law, Robert Barlow; and dear friend, Peggy Young of Asheville. Darlene is survived by her sister, Loretta Fern Barlow of Martinsburg, W.Va., and her brother Dallas Harper (Doris) of Sanford, N.C.; her nephews, Robert Barlow (Kimberly) and Dexter Harper (Kelly); several great-nephews and great-nieces, special friends, and neighbors. A friend to many, Darlene will be deeply missed and her remarkable life will be remembered by those who loved her. There will be no funeral per Darlene’s request. A memorial is planned for a later date. Darlene requests her ashes be spread at her home in West Virginia. Suggestions of ways to honor her memory include donating to a favorite charity, planting a tree in her honor or donating a children’s book about nature to your local library.

Tributes

Darlene Thompson

May 15, 1949 - June 10, 2026