Darlene Frances Dalton
1941—2025
In Loving Memory
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Frances Dalton, beloved mother, cherished educator, and lifelong advocate for the love of language and literature. She passed away peacefully March 6, 2025, at the age of 84.
Darlene was born Feb. 26, 1941, in Delbarton, West Virginia, to the late Earl Edward and Ella Frances (Scalf) Jenkins.
She dedicated much of her life to nurturing young minds and instilling a passion for reading and writing in her students. After graduation from Burch High School in 1959 in Delbarton, where she was honored as her class’s homecoming queen, she continued her education at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in English. She began her teaching career at the old Lenore High School in Lenore, West Virginia. She completed it after 25 years at Sheldon Clark High School in Inez.
Darlene inspired countless students with her enthusiasm for literature, her thoughtful approach to teaching, and her unwavering support. Throughout her career, she was known for her ability to bring classic literature to life, encouraging her students to not only understand the written word but to appreciate its power. Her classroom was a place where ideas flourished and every student felt heard and valued.
Darlene was a mentor to many, offering guidance that extended beyond academics and into the personal lives of her students. She was a longtime sponsor of 4-H during her tenure at Sheldon Clark High School.
In addition to her parents, Darlene is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronnie Lee Dalton; sisters Mildred (Sissy) Kennedy, Sallie Ann Hall and Earlene Perry-Hobson; brother Earl Edward (Eddie) Jenkins Jr and brother-in-law Charles (Red) Dalton.
Left to honor her legacy are children Ronnie (Tammi) Gilman, Gina (Gary) Cook, Gisette (Tony) Brewster, Melissa (Jeff) Wagner, Rhonda (J.B. Fraley) Dalton, and Mackenzie (Dennis) Jackson; grandchildren Jeremy (Melanie) Gilman, Courtney (Jeff) Stout, Sam and Sydney Cook; Hannah and Alex Brewster, Jayce Fraley, Katherine (Katie) Wagner, and Sophia Jackson; great-grandchildren Shiloh Gilman and Silas Stout; brothers-in-law Bernard (Fran) Dalton and Larry (Carolyn) Dalton; a host of nieces and nephews; and her beloved dogs, Homer and Wishbone.
Funeral services were conducted March 12, 2025, at the Callaham Funeral Home Chapel in Inez, with Maurice Mills officiating. Burial followed at Hinkle Cemetery on Calf Creek Road in Inez.
We will always carry with us the lessons she imparted, the stories she shared, and the love she gave. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends and the many students whose lives she touched.