Darlene Kay Dotson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Darlene Dotson, who departed this life peacefully on July 10, 2026, at Prince William Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family following complications from a stroke. She was 76 years old. 

Born on September 24, 1949, in Minerva, Ohio, Darlene lived a life defined by love, kindness, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a gentle spirit that brought comfort to those around her and a warm smile that made everyone feel welcome. 

Darlene was the cherished daughter of the late Raymond and Helen Scott. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Raymond, Ralph, and Donnie Scott, and her sisters, Virginia Willison, Carolyn Jordan, and Anna Yacklin. She is survived by her beloved sister, Kathy (Quentin) Metheny of West Virginia, who will forever treasure the memories of their childhood adventures and the lifelong bond they shared.

A graduate of Minerva High School, Darlene married Ronnie Thompson, with whom she shared many wonderful years before his passing. Together they built a loving home and raised three children, creating a lifetime of treasured memories. 

Darlene dedicated 36 years of faithful service to the Department of Defense, where she built lasting friendships and took great pride in her work before retiring. 

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Adam (Roxann) Thompson of Virginia; her daughter, Kim Thompson (Tad Albrite) of Virginia; and her stepdaughter, Stephanie Barron of Florida. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lisa Royal (Lesley), whose memory remained forever close to her heart. 

Her greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Jonathon (Courtney), Mason, Jacob, Cole, and Seth—as well as her step-grandson, Jeremy (April). She was also blessed with her precious great-granddaughter, Aliana, and her step-great-grandsons, Caleb and Cameron, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. 

On May 19, 2001, Darlene married Buster Dotson, and together they shared 11 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2012. Their relationship was built on friendship, laughter, and unwavering companionship. 

Darlene was known for her generous heart, her welcoming home, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel like family. She loved to travel and believed life's greatest adventures were those shared with the people she loved most. Among her fondest memories was a trip through Italy with her daughters, Kim, Lisa and friend Deane -a journey she often recalled with joy and gratitude. 

Whether hosting family gatherings, sharing stories around the table, or simply enjoying quiet moments with her beloved dogs, Sugar and Pepper, Darlene found happiness in life's simple blessings. Her laughter was infectious, her compassion boundless, and her love unconditional. Darlene's life was a beautiful testament to faith, strength, grace, and selfless love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and devotion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darlene's life at Pierce Funeral Home, 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia, on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. 

The family will receive friends in North Carolina on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 2 – 3 p.m. at Joyner’s Funeral Home, 4100 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. in Bailey Town Cemetery, Bailey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Darlene's memory to the charity of your choice, honoring her generous spirit and lifelong desire to help others. 

Though our hearts are heavy with loss, we take comfort in knowing that Darlene's love lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she embraced, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with those who have gone before her, and may her memory forever be a blessing. 

"Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they shared, the memories they created, and the love they planted in our hearts."

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.