Delores Kay Clements Darden

Delores “Dee Dee” Kay Clements Darden passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2026, after a four-year battle with cancer. She was born on November 29, 1955, to the late Nat and Sallie Clements. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tommy” Darden, and her brothers, David Clements, Billy Clements, and Dan Clements. Dee Dee is survived by her children, Carrie Darden, Ellen Couch (Craig), and Thomas Darden (Elizabeth); seven grandchildren, Hannah Couch, Chip Darden, Lilly Darden, Hailey Couch, Chase Darden, Natalie Turner, and Mason Turner; and her sisters-in-law, Caroline Darden Hurt and Cindy Clements.

Dee Dee was born and raised in Suffolk, where she was a lifelong member of Providence United Methodist Church. She graduated from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and later from Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science. Dee Dee began her career as an intern with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in Northern Virginia. Soon after, she was hired as the Isle of Wight ASCS Director, where she met her future husband, Tommy Darden.

Growing up as the youngest of four children, with three older brothers in rural Suffolk, farming, family, and community were instilled in her from the start. She served on numerous local, state, and national agricultural boards, receiving multiple honors throughout her career. During her time on the Virginia Small Grains Board, she served in several officer roles and was awarded a lifetime membership. She was the first woman farmer to serve on the National Peanut Board, traveling throughout the country and internationally to promote the health benefits of U.S. peanuts, as well as clinical research advancing the understanding of peanut allergies in children. More recently, a grant was established in Dee Dee’s honor to conduct further research into peanut allergy testing in children. She was also chosen as the Southeast Region winner of Monsanto’s 2012 America’s Farmers Mom of the Year Award. Dee Dee served a four-year term on the Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors and campaigned against “big box stores.”

Dee Dee and Tommy lived together on their farm at the crossroads for 41 years, doing exactly what she loved—farming, curing hams, and raising their children and grandchildren. Whether it was running the store, driving a tractor, or tackling any job in between, she was a do-it-all kind of woman. Beginning in the early 1990s and continuing until just a few weeks before her diagnosis in 2022, Dee Dee deboned every ham sold through Darden’s Country Store.

Her passion for life was undeniable. She was the epitome of a hard worker, but she also knew how to have a good time! Some of her favorite times were spent under the carport having “attitude adjustment” parties, picking crabs, drinking a cold beer, and enjoying the company of friends and family. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, all they had accomplished, and the way they continue to carry on the family legacy and traditions.

The family wishes to thank all the nurses and doctors at Peninsula Cancer Institute, especially Jessica Cockrill, NP and VCU Massey Cancer Center, as well as the first responders and hospice staff who were kind, caring, and compassionate throughout her fight.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 11 a.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield followed by burial at Woodland UMC Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday evening, July 13, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Western Tidewater Free Clinic in Suffolk, Virginia, or to the charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com