Darla Louise Smith

Darla Louise Smith, of New Kensington, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 79. She was born to the late Cecil and Lucille (Langston) Smith on January 23, 1946, at Citizens General Hospital in New Kensington, Pennsylvania.

Darla grew up and spent her entire life in New Kensington. She graduated from Ken High and later earned her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. She retired after 30 years of dedicated service as the Director of Nutrition Services at Citizens General Hospital.

Darla was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania. Her love for God shone brightly through her discipleship and her heart for serving others. After retirement, she opened her home to foster children and continued to uplift the New Kensington community with compassion and grace. Darla found great joy in sharing her gift of cooking. She prepared meals for her church family, community gatherings, family holidays, and reunions. Through her acts of service and hospitality, she embodied the true spirit of love and faith in action.

As many know, purple was Darla’s favorite color, a shade that, in Scripture, represents royalty, dignity, and divine favor. She carried the spirit of that color with elegance and purpose, walking through life with both strength and grace. Darla’s presence reflected the richness of purple; she was bold, compassionate, and deeply rooted in faith.

A true advocate for education, she believed in the power of knowledge to change lives. Darla often extended her hand to support others in pursuing their dreams, personally funding and encouraging those striving for higher education. Through her generosity and belief in others, she planted seeds that will continue to grow for generations.

Darla was known for her honesty and bold spirit. If you didn’t want to hear the truth, she wasn’t the person to ask! She had a flair for fashion and loved to express herself through style. Whether wearing her favorite leopard print, bright colors, sparkling diamond rings, or gold necklaces, she always made a statement. Darla took pride in her beautiful hairstyles and meaningful tattoos, many bearing the names of her loved ones.

She had a passion for traveling the world, shopping, and spending quality time with her family. Wherever Darla went, her presence was always felt. She was vibrant, confident, and the light in every room she entered. She spent her final days surrounded by love, from sharing sincere moments at the bingo hall with her granddaughter, Salise Brasfield, to enjoying precious time with her devoted sister Deborah Jones. Her warmth, joy, and unmistakable spirit will continue to live through the memories held by those who loved her.

She is survived by her beloved sister, Deborah Jones, as well as her cherished granddaughter, Aaliyah Burke.

She leaves behind her loving daughters: Saavedra (Gehazel) Muse; Jazman, Destiny, LeShunah, Simone, Paris, and Albany Smith; Missy Wilhoit; Juanisha Worthey; Jasmine Reid; and Keyara Moody.

Adoring grandchildren include: Tymonica and Salise Brasfield; Kyrell Smith, Chayse Smith, Koan Smith, Tyson Smith, Jalen Smith, Blake Campbell, Sofia Potter, Aleya Smith, and Asiah Summers; Travares, Dya’Mond, and Anijah Albert-Craig; and James Newson II.

Great-grandchildren include Mesiah Perkins and Tezhon Thompson Jr.

She is also survived by her goddaughter, Darla Albert; her special nieces and nephews: Carmen (Vincent) Walker, Radisha Lynch-Jones, Makia (Tonetric) Hunter, Zariah (Wallace) Jones, and Jimmie (Bianca) Jones Jr.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Darla is preceded in death by her parents, Cecil and Lucille(Langston) Smith; her daughter, Tanika Burke; and her siblings: Charles Smith, Betsy Weaver, Cecil Smith, Maurice Smith, Cheryl Brookshire, and Jimmie Jones Sr.