Darlene Spratley

We recognize We recognize the power and sovereignty of God by submitting to His will in the falling asleep of our Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend Darlene Goodwin Spratley 86, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 9:05 a.m. in Hampton Health and Rehab, Hampton, VA.

Darlene, the seventh of eleven children, was born to the late Dean Vernon Goodwin and Pearl Eley-Jones Goodwin on July 5, 1938. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, the late Charlie Vance Spratley. Also, preceding her in death was all her siblings: Irene, Virginia, Queen Esther, George Dean, Spincil Lee, Edward Lee, Curtis, Andrew, Mary Jean, and Margaret; her granddaughter, Jeyla Olivia Good; and her granddog, Butler Byrd Good.

Darlene attended Isle of Wight Training School until the 8th grade, quitting school to help her father on the family's farm. Darlene was a hard worker. Her employment began at Battery Park Fish & Oyster Company where she shucked oysters. Next, she went to Gwaltney's Packing Plant where she worked on the kill floor. Darlene also worked for Pretlow and Chapman Funeral Home and L. W. Herring & Co. Funeral Home (both in Smithfield) doing whatever was needed to help the business run smoothly. Darlene then became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Darlene ended with retirement in 1996 after 13 years with Isle of Wight Public Schools as a bus driver. But instead of sitting down somewhere and relaxing, she continued to do private duty nursing and babysitting.

Darlene was baptized at an early age at Christian Home Baptist Church, Windsor, Va. A little later, Dean & Pearl (Parent's) moved the family membership to Diamond Grove Baptist Church, Crittenden Road, Suffolk, Va. In the early 60's, Darlene joined Little Bethel Baptist Church, Suffolk, Va. After meeting and marrying Charlie Spratley, Darlene became and remained a member of Little Zion Baptist Church, Smithfield, Va., where she served as a Missionary and on the Pastor Search Committee.

Darlene's favorite pastime was fishing, painting her nails every other day and playing bingo. Darlene loved clothes. When she put her clothes on, she would ask, "Don't I look sharp?" She was always adorned with her rings and bracelets.

Darlene was the historian of the family and passed the torch to her nephew, Ronnie. Darlene was the bingo caller for the Senior Bingo Club that meets every Monday at Hardee’s in Smithfield and every Tuesday at Bubba’s and Franks in Carrollton. Darlene enjoyed playing cards and Pokeno. She was known for her famous Corn Pudding. If Darlene was asked about her corn pudding recipe she would reply, “It isn’t one I just add a little bit of this and a little bit of that” which meant she wasn’t going to tell you. Darlene never met a stranger. She was dependable, if she said she was going to do it, it got done.

Darlene was a 25 -plus year cancer survivor, times two. She didn’t mind sharing her story and ended with “God did it!”

Darlene truly loved her family and friends. A fact that most do not know (and according to the 1940 census), Darlene’s birth name was Doraline.

Darlene leaves to cherish her memories; her daughter Tramesha Good (Herbert Clarke) of Hampton; two godsons, Jamaree’ Good of Hampton and Jaylen Harrold-Good of California; a niece whom Darlene and Charlie reared, Antoinette Cooper (Erek) of Hampton; a grandog, Archie Cooper Good of the home; sister -in- law, Deloris Goodwin of Suffolk, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; special “adopted children,” Curtis & Sue Goodwin, Erika (Jeneen) Holloway-Crocker, Inda Heiligh, Glenn & Kammy Alligood; best friends, Joyce Greene and Lynda Bonner Kennedy.

Momma, you ran your race hard and fast. Letting nothing slow you down until March 3, 3025 (when you were admitted to Obici Hospital). Even though you were down, you were not out. Still feisty as ever. But on April 8, 2025, God decided it was time for you to rest. So go ahead and rest Momma. And yes I’m telling you what to do (I can hear you saying, “Tree’s the Momma and I’m the child)

Love you forever and always, Tree

In the words of Darlene, “Never say bye, it’s see you later.

On Sunday, April 13, 2025 viewing will take place from 2-5pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12pm Monday, April 14, 2025, at Little Zion Baptist Church. Interment will follow the service in the Baptist Cemetery, Berry Hill Road, Smithfield, VA 23430. Please keep the Goodwin-Spratley family in your prayers.