Darlene Raper Smothers

Darlene Raper Smothers went to the comforting arms of our Heavenly Father Friday December 21, 2007. She was born July 4, 1941 to Hazel L. Raper and the late Howard H. Raper of Rowan County. She is survived by two daughters, Darla Smothers and Joni Smothers Barnwell and husband, Jay; two sisters, Janice Eberhart and husband, Gene and Shirley Looney and husband, Steve; three brothers, David Raper and wife, Gail, Danny Raper and wife, Stacey, and Garry Raper and wife, Debbie; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Darlene was a longtime member of Blackwelder Park Baptist Church in Kannapolis. Her unyielding faith and trust in God was apparent in all aspects of her life. She graduated Landis High School in 1959 and enrolled in several business courses. She then began employment at W. T. Grant in Kannapolis, where she worked for fifteen years. She was later employed as a bookkeeper for Sparks Oldsmobile Dealership in She began her banking career with First Union/Wachovia at the Wilmar branch in Concord, where she became the heart of the branch. She was affectionately known as "Miss Darlene" and appreciated for her warm greetings, cheerful smile, and nurturing soul. She was loved by all her co-workers and customers. Darlene was the oldest of six children and was like a little mother to her brothers and sisters. She continued that nurturing spirit throughout her life. As she will tell you, her greatest accomplishments were her daughters, Darla and Joni, who she loved with all her heart and soul, as they did her. She was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, aunt and friend. We will cherish the time we were blessed to have had her in our lives. She touched the lives of every person she has ever met. She was the most nurturing person one could ever know. She always put the needs of others before herself and went above and beyond what anyone could ever ask for. The memories of her will live with us forever. During her illness, she was comforted by the thoughts and prayers of her many family and friends. Visitation will be Wednesday Dec. 26 from 6-9 pm at Lady's Funeral Home in Kannapolis. A service will be Thursday Dec. 27 at 11:00a.m. at Blackwelder Park Baptist Church in Kannapolis. Pastor Stanley Welch will officiate and burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.