Darlene Ann Chancellor

1939 - 2025

Darlene Ann Chancellor, age 85, of Caney, died Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Hot Springs. She was born on June 2, 1939 in Frankfort, Indiana to the late Robert Kennedy and Dortha Mae Dean Kennedy. Darlene was raised by her grandparents in Indiana while her 'Rosie the Riveter' Mother worked in the shipyards in New York. She received her early education in Indiana and then moved to California with her Mother where she graduated from Gardena High School and met her future husband, Jay. The couple moved back to Arkansas in 1964 where she raised her family and kept the books for her husband's home building business. After graduation from Ouachita Vo Tech in 1977, she was employed at McClure's in Malvern. Darlene, at the age of 65, went back to college at Henderson University and studied art.  She could sketch life-like images of anyone and anything. Darlene was also a prolific cook, seamstress, and knitted beautiful items for friends and family.  She loved the outdoors and water skied, hunted, fished, and played golf.  She was also an excellent bowler and participated in many bowling leagues and tournaments.  She also loved to travel. As a longtime member of Caney Missionary Baptist Church, Darlene served as church clerk, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and cookie maker.  She was there when the doors were open and often opened them herself to take care of whatever needed to be done. Darlene was not afraid of any challenge and lived her life with grace and humility.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.  
Darlene was the widow of the late J. W. 'Jay' Chancellor, to whom she was married on July 7, 1957. He preceded her in death in 2023. She is survived by her sons, Don Chancellor and his wife, Kari, of Malvern and Glen Chancellor and his wife, Cathy, of Wylie, Texas, and by three grandchildren, Melanie Gordon (Renee), Cole Chancellor (Tara), and Joshua Chancellor; and two great-grandchildren, Kayden Chancellor and Carl Gordon.
Darlene was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Chancellor.
Visitation will be held at Caney Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 2:00 until 3:00, at which time the funeral service will begin.  Officiating will be Brother Ralph Ruffin and Brother Pat Greer.  Interment will follow in Caney Cemetery under the direction of J. A. Funk Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Cole, Josh, and Kayden Chancellor; Michael Hodges, Duffy B. Gage, and Renee Gordon.
Honorary pallbearers are: Employees of Encore Healthcare and Rehab, CHI St. Vincent 4th floor MedSurg staff, and Drs. J. J. Miller, Bruce Burton, Tim Webb, and Jovan Gayle.
Memorials may be made to Caney Missionary Baptist Church.
Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com