DARLENE GAYE WILSON

Darlene Gaye Wilson passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, July 7, 2022 due to complications from COPD.

Darlene was a native of Wise, Virginia, a graduate of J.J. Kelly High School and Clinch Valley College. She was a lifelong scholar, a voracious reader and a lover of all things Appalachian. Darlene had many adventures throughout her life and never met a stranger. She will be remembered for her impressive storytelling, sharp wit and keeping everyone around her on their toes. Many will remember Darlene’s time as the “web-spinning Granny” and her academic work focused on Appalachia and Melungeons, which has been published in anthologies and presented at many conferences. Later in life, she was an avid basketball fan, political enthusiast and spent much time loving her grandchildren and bringing them a daily dose of joy. Darlene was immensely proud of her family and she will be deeply missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Harley Wilson and Edith “Peg” Nelson; and brothers, James Wilson and John “Petie” Nelson.

She is survived by her children, Robert Meade and wife Nichole, Dominique Parrott and husband Matthew; her grandchildren, Katlyne Schrum and husband TJ, Lauren Meade, Addison Parrott and Harper Parrott; great grandchild, Newton Schrum; sisters, Melinda Dotson and husband Bill, Denese McAmis and husband Tommy, and Delores Smith and husband Worley; brothers, Bobby Joe Wilson and wife Caroline and Hans Nelson and wife Janet; and a host of special nieces and nephews and many other relatives and dear friends.

Keeping in the spirit of Darlene’s adventurous nature, she will be cremated and scattered where the winds take her. Family will hold a celebration of life in the fall, which will be announced at a later date.