Darlene Ellen Johnson, 85, of Tavares, FL, formerly of Circleville, Ohio, passed at 9:29 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026 in Lady Lake Specialty Care, Lady Lake, Florida following an extended illness.

She was born April 5, 1941, in Clintwood, VA, to the late Willie H. and Nettie L. Evans Hale. On July 9, 1966, she married Pearl H. Johnson who passed February 26, 1996.

Surviving are children, Kathy (Susan) Johnson, James (Carol) Johnson and Marilyn (Doug) Toole; a daughter-in-law, Sandi Johnson, who was like an adopted sister to the family; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; siblings , Willie “Pete” (Jean) Hale, Homer Hale, Conny Ray Hale, Larry (Betty) Hale and Gary Hale, Elaine Sego, Bernice “Letta” (Buddy) McClellan and Robin Hale Mills; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was predeceased by a daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Tim Howard; a son, Pearl “PJ” Johnson; a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Kermit Green; sisters-in-law, Lola Hale and Debbie Hale; and a brother-in-law, Herman Sego.

Darlene attended Crouse Chapel United Methodist Church and was a volunteer for the Circle of Sharing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Crouse Chapel United Methodist Church 795 Crouse Chapel Rd, Chillicothe, OH 45601 or to Logan Elm Braves Serving Braves 9579 Tarlton Road Circleville, OH 43113.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Rick Hartley officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Cemetery. In keeping with her wishes, a private viewing will be held for immediate family only. Arrangements are under the direction of the WARE FUNERAL HOME.

You may sign her online register at warefh.com