Joan (Darlene) Skidmore

On the evening of Thursday, April 6th, Joan Darlene Skidmore joined her Heavenly Father in His peace and eternal love. Darlene was an extremely caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter and friend. She was a godly woman who loved the Lord and her family and set an example for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will lead them all their lives.

She was born in Frostburg, Maryland to John and Virginia Logue on April 2, 1941 and had two sisters, Susan Vining and Andrea Donius. She first met her future husband, Rance, in kindergarten and after graduating from Beall High School, they both attended Frostburg State College. Rance finally won Darlene over and they were married in 1962. They spent the next sixty years together and travelled far and wide in service to the United States Air Force and then for their own pleasure. They had two children - Wendy Michelle and Eric Rance.

Darlene worked several jobs over the years – managed a china shop, worked for several churches and companies as an administrative assistant, etc., but her passion was her family. She loved creating delicious meals for her family and friends, creating a welcoming, loving home, spending time with her family and friends, traveling and generally spent her life in service to her family, her church, and her community. She served in a wide range of missions and ministries, helping to repair homes in Appalachia, caring for the homeless and less fortunate, and volunteering at local food pantries. Her passing on Maundy Thursday, the day of the Last Supper and of Jesus’ washing the disciples’ feet, will forever be a reminder of Darlene’s legacy of Christian compassion and service. She is greatly missed, but is now at peace and for that, her family is grateful.

Darlene is survived by her husband Rance, daughter Wendy and family, son Eric and family, sister Andrea and family and her sister Susan’s family. A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on April 22 at St. Francis United Methodist Church in Cary, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Dorcas Ministries in Cary, North Carolina.