Bobbie Darlene Slate

Bobbie Darlene Slate, lovingly known by family and close friends as “Doll,” passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born April 25, 1945, Bobbie lived a life marked by warmth, laughter, and an adventurous spirit. She was a devoted Christian and faithful lover of Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her steps, shaping her values, and giving her courage and joy through every season. She was active in the Church of God at Hendersonville, TN for 10 years, as well as the church in Greenfield, IN for 15 years.

Though many knew her as Darlene for much of her life, later years found her going by Bobbie in both work and community. But to those closest to her, she would always be “Doll”—a nickname born of a Tennessee accent that softened Darlene into “Dollene,” and then simply, “Doll.” To nieces and nephews, she was affectionately “Aint Doll,” a name spoken with love and familiarity.

Doll shared her life with Raymond, her partner in countless adventures. Together they spent many days fishing, collecting more rods and reels than they could use, and enjoying time on the water in their boats. They also delighted in yard sales and antique shopping, where she playfully pronounced her treasures as “antee-cues.”

Always open to new experiences, Doll’s sense of adventure led her to Key West for tent camping with Shelley and the boys, a Christmas Eve cruise to the Bahamas, and even a hot air balloon ride just for the thrill of it. One of her most memorable journeys was flying from Alabama to Ohio in a small plane with her son. When turbulence rattled the skies, she laughed off the worry with her fearless encouragement: “Ride ’em cowboy!”

Doll’s life was full of love, laughter, and resilience. She leaves behind a legacy of stories, memories, and lessons that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will forever treasure her unique humor, her adventurous heart, and her unwavering love.

Visitation: will be on Wednesday, October 01, 2025 from 10:00 AM – until time of service at Spann Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: will begin at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 01, 2025 from the Chapel of Spann Funeral Home.

Interment: will follow at Leech Cemetery in Charlotte, TN

Survived by:

Children:

  Keith (Shelley), Duane, Daryl (Pamela), and Rod (Dawn)

Grandchildren:

  Caitlin (David), Michael, Matthew (Meg), Jonathan (Brittany), Roger (Rosa), Savanna, Abby, Morgan (Adam), Aaron, Jake (Andrea), Ambrie (Matt), Robby

Great Grandchildren:

  Tenley, Sienna, James, Razlynn, Abbi, Charlie, Isaiah, Kayden, River, Easton, Dawsyn, Lincoln, Halen

Sisters:

  Anne Bojniewicz (Mark), Sandi Quinif (Jack), Judi Quinif

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Albert Van Harlenden Knight, and Martha Juanita Leech

Husband: Raymond Slate

Brother: Bill

Arrangements by Spann Funeral Home & Cremation Services (615) 446-1123