Nora Darlene Mockabee

Nora Darlene Mockabee, born on October 16, 1944, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2025, at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital at the age of 80.
Darlene was a remarkable woman-devoted mother, beloved Nanny, cherished sister, and the heart of her family. She dedicated over 30 years to Fairfax County Transportation, where she worked closely with special needs children-a role she took great pride in and genuinely loved.
Known for her warm heart and open arms, Darlene welcomed everyone into her home and her life, often with a home-cooked meal, morning coffee or a listening ear, sometimes all three. She never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a hand, especially to her children and grandchildren, whom she adored unconditionally.
Though kind and nurturing, Darlene was also strong and unwavering-a woman whose generosity was never to be mistaken for weakness. She was the glue that held her family together, the soul of every gathering, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved her.
Darlene is survived by her sons, James Aaron Mockabee and Richard Allen Mockabee; her dearest friend, Caretaker, and the one by her side until the very end William (Bill) Smith; her sister Dale Arlean Dodson; her brother Norman Stanley Dodson; and her beloved grandchildren Brooklyn Nicole Mockabee, Jaxxon Timothy Mockabee, and Kayla Marie Mockabee, along with many others. Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Elizabeth and Elmer Williams Dodson; her husband, Mitchell Ellsworth Mockabee; her sons Mitchell Douglas Mockabee and Timothy Lee Mockabee; her brothers Elmer William Dodson Jr. and Tommy Erskine Dodson; and her sister Maria Kristene Dodson