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Darlene Smith Obituary

Darlene Marie Smith, 48, of Salem, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2009. She was born on April 26, 1961, in Roanoke, Va., and was the daughter of the late Jerry and Kathleen Link. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Frederick Howell Smith; and by her first husband, Joseph Harold Cadwell. Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Lauren Link; two sisters, Carolyn Brandt, and Denise Fortner; and many friends and other family. A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009, in the chapel of John M. Oakey and Son, Salem. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 6, 2009, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 2441 Tyler Way, Salem, Va. 24153. To send condolences online, please register at www.johnmoakey.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times on Dec. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Darlene Smith

Not sure what to say?





A. Kaye Giles

December 14, 2009

Dear Denise, Carolyn, and family
Dear Lauren,
I am thinking of you, and praying for you. You are in my thoughts and heart.
I loved Darlene dearly, and know just a little of the hurt and pain you feel from this great lost. Darlene would not want you to be sad. May God wrap his loving arms around you at this time to ease the pain. Remember Jerry and Kathlyn's great love for you and your family. May this rememberance and God's love give healing to you soon.
Love
Kaye

December 12, 2009

LAUREN,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, WHEN I SIGNED THE GUEST BOOK I WAS AT A LOSS FOR WORDS AND PICKED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS GOOD AT THE TIME FROM SUGGESTED ENTRIES. NOW I JUST WANT TO TELL YOU THAT YOU ARE LOVED DEARLY BY YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU HAVE LEFT AND ALL YOUR GRANDPARENTS OLD GRACE BAPTIST TEMPLE FAMILY AS WELL AND YOU MAY NOT EVEN KNOW SOME OF THEM. I AS YOU KNOW AM IN FLORIDA BUT IF YOU NEED TO TALK DENISE HAS MY NUMBER AND YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME IF YOU NEED HELP ADVICE OR A SHOULDER TO CRY ON. YOUR MOM USED IT A QUITE A FEW TIMES AND YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE IT AS WELL. GO ON WITH YOUR PLANS FOR LIFE AS YOUR MOM WOULD WANT & KNOW THAT YOU ARE NEVER ALONE PRAYER AND FRIENDS ARE THERE FOR YOU JUST REACH OUT AND WE ARE THERE. I'M NOT GOOD AT FUNERALS AND SUCH I CRY AND MAKE EVERYBODY ELSE CRY & IT'S NOT A THING I LIKE DOING TO PEOPLE. AFTER ALL YOUR MOM'S IN HEAVEN WHY CRY?????
WE'LL ALL BE THERE TOGETHER ONE DAY!
LOVE,TERENCE

Desiree Nichols

December 11, 2009

I don't even know where to start as I just got the call a few mins ago about your loss. I am so very sorry to all and I know how much this must affect you all at this time. I wish that I could just grab you in my arms but be assured that God will and He will hold you as long as you let him. He is the Only one that will give you the push you need to make it through the upcoming days. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do. I will pray for you to recieve extra comfort this holiday season. Love Desiree

Mendy Flynn (Collins)

December 7, 2009

Dear Carolyn,
I just learned of this sad news and will be praying for your family, especially Lauren. Even though I haven't seen you for quite awhile, I think of you often. Please extend my sympathy to your mom and dad and Denise.

Kim Tuell

December 7, 2009

Denise and Lauren,
I just heard about your loss. I hope you find some comfort knowing that people are thinking and praying for you. Kim Tuell

Becky Jackson (Allstate)

December 7, 2009

To Denise and family I'm truly sorry for your loss. Even in your sadness, I hope you can hold on to the thought that a life lived with so much love never really ends but goes on forever in the hearts of those who remember. May the many sweet and precious memories of your loved one bring you comfort. You're in my prayers today and the days to follow. GOD bless you all.

LeaLynn Firebaugh

December 7, 2009

Denise,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
LeaLynn

Tina Yanosky

December 7, 2009

Lauren,
So sorry about the loss of your mom. I know you were the light of her life. She was very proud of you. If you need any thing just call. Our prayers are with you.

The Yanosky family

Terence Naff

December 7, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Ellen Morris

December 6, 2009

Dear Lauren,
I thought about you all day today. I cannot imagine what you must be going thru. Your Mom loved you so much. She wants the best for you. God loves you and knows your hurt right now. Lean on him Lauren. Seems like the other day I saw you eating out with your Mom. I will see you tomorrow. I put you on the prayer list at church.

Love,

Ellen

Jim and Mona Weseloh

December 6, 2009

Denise, We were sorry to hear about your sister. May God provide you with His comfort in the coming days. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marie Vest

December 6, 2009

Denise and Carolyn,
I just want to let you two know how saddened I was to hear about your sister Darlene. She was always with a smile on her face and love in her heart, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. I will keep all three of you in my thoughts and paryers. Let me know if there is anything I can do.

Marie Vest

December 6, 2009

Dear Lauren,
I was terribly saddened to hear of your mothers passing. May God be with you during this diffult time. I hope the memories will bring you comfort, I will have you in my thoughts and prayers for the days to come. God Bless

Tony, Linda & Trevor Howell

December 6, 2009

Denise,

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister Darlene. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,

December 6, 2009

Dear Denise:
Ray Holley told us this morning in church about the death of your sister, Darlene. We are so very sorry and pray that God will give you and your family a huge measure of His love, mercy and grace as you face this difficult time. It is so hard to lose someone you love dearly but it is such a comfort to know that we will be united again someday.
What can we do to help you?
In His Care
JD and Ellouise Hoback

Brenda Jewell

December 6, 2009

Lauren, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call.

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