Denise Darlene Franklin Mitchell

Denise Darlene Franklin Mitchell, 64, of Newland, passed peacefully on July 11, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Darlene was born on April 3rd,1961, to Zeb Scott Franklin and Esta Lena Woodie Franklin of Jonas Ridge. She was one of nine siblings. She had a big, loving family that shared a bond rooted in faith, laughter, and the kind of closeness that only comes from growing up side by side in the hills of North Carolina. That sense of family stayed with Darlene all her life and shaped the way she loved others: deeply, generously, and without condition.

Darlene had a special gift with kids, the kind of adult they remembered long after growing up. It’s no surprise she was affectionately nicknamed “Mama D” by many of the children in her life, a title she wore with pride and joy. Her home was always open and full of laughter, games, and enough peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or macaroni and cheese to feed a small army. She loved being in the middle of it all, where she could laugh the loudest and love the biggest.

She is survived by her two sons, Shawn and Casey, who were the absolute light of her life or, as she often said, “her world.” She poured every ounce of love she had into raising them, and her pride in the men they became was unmatched. She also welcomed with open arms her daughter-in-law, MKayla Nelson Mitchell, wife of Shawn, and Casey’s fiancé, Locke Curtis, loving them as her own. Darlene is also survived by seven of her siblings: Virginia Helms; Lahoma Hendricks; Lambert (Terri) Franklin; Larry (Fran) Franklin; Kathy (Larry) Dellinger; Linda Clontz; and her twin, Dean (Toni) Franklin, with whom she shared a lifelong bond founded on love, laughter, and the strength of family. To be loved by Darlene was to be surrounded by warmth, encouragement, and a kind of steady, unconditional love that made everyone feel like they belonged.

She was preceded in death by her beloved niece, Diana Franklin; her sister, Jean Daniels; her brother in-law, Don Clontz; her nephew, Mark Benefield, and her parents, Zeb Scott Franklin and Esta Lena Woodie Franklin.

A private celebration of Darlene’s life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that monetary donations be sent to Medi Home and Hospice of Newland, an organization that provided compassionate care during Darlene’s final days. The family is deeply grateful to the nurses and caregivers whose kindness and dedication made a meaningful difference.

In her honor, hug your people tight, make someone laugh, and don’t skip dessert — especially if it’s ice cream.