Darlene Marie Manzanares

Darlene Marie Manzanares (Powell), age 68, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025, in Conway, Arkansas. She was born August 9, 1956 in Maywood, California to the late Bobby and Elizabeth Ann Powell. Darlene was an extraordinary woman. Her warmth and kindness knew no bounds. She welcomed everyone into her home, offering comfort and support to those in need. She had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved; a true second mom to so many. Darlene never met a stranger. It didn't matter where she was, she was guaranteed to compliment and hug at least one random person. Though she has departed this world, her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.
Darlene is lovingly remembered by her husband, Frank Manzanares, who stood by her side through life's many seasons. She is also survived by her sister, Terri Smith, and her brother, Michael Powell. Her legacy continues through her daughters: Shannon Wofford, Brianna McElvoy, Nichole Manzanares and Amber Hurtado. Darlene was a proud grandmother to Brianna Williams, Kurstian Wofford, Deven Wofford, Eliana Maria Martinez, Brennen Belcher, Jameson Spooner and Kevin River Ramos. Her love extended further to her great-grandchildren, Ari'el Jones and Kayloni Jones. In addition to her parents, Darlene was preceded in death by her grandson, Jovani Gabriel Mendez.
A cherished poem left behind offers a glimpse into the depth of Darlene's love and the peace she found in her final journey:
When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could re-live yesterday
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me,
From His great golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you."
Today your life on earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.
May her memory bring comfort and strength to all who mourn her passing.
Thomas Funeral Service