Sylvia J. Darlington

Sylvia “Jo” Johnson Darlington, 88, of Acworth Georgia passed away peacefully on August 2, 2026. Sylvia was born in Conway, SC to Jim and Marie Johnson. Sylvia was a beloved presence to those who knew her—remembered for her gentle steadiness, compassionate heart, many stories and jokes she shared with all who knew her. Her many life challenges and experiences shaped the way she lived and loved. What started as a blind date, led to a Sylvia and John A. Darlington marrying in 1957, who she loved endlessly and followed through hard and good times. She often said, “John was the best thing that ever happened to me”. After living in Myrtle Beach, SC they moved to Paducah KY, Rockford IL and in 1960, they moved to East Point, GA, where they built a life marked by devotion and enduring partnership. Together they welcomed a daughter, and theirs was a marriage spoken of with gratitude and respect. In 2009, she and John moved to Acworth where they called home until they went to meet their Lord and Savior.

Sylvia and John were faithful members of the United Methodist Church, and her faith was reflected in a thoughtful, selfless way of caring for others. She was known as someone who would give the shirt off her back—generous in spirit, kind-hearted in action, and attentive to the needs around her.

Later in life, Sylvia loved going to the lake with her family and daughter, where she spent time enjoying the scenery, boat rides and endless hours talking with her lake friends, who loved having her share her stories of life and growing up in rural South Carolina that were mixed with her warm humor and keen observations that came naturally; she delighted neighbors with stories and reflections on how life had changed over the years, offering laughter that felt easy and familiar.

She also dearly loved her dogs, and they loved her in return—an affection that spoke to the tenderness she carried, and the comfort she gave so freely. Her dogs went everywhere with her, as they were her children and grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in passing by her parents Jim and Marie Johnson, husband John A. Darlington and sister Bobbie (John) Ann Tyler as well as sister-in-law Margaret (Bill) Kiros.

She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Darlington, Nephews and nieces; Rick and Georgia Tyler and Arlan Tyler Ferrell. Cousins; Janet Johnson, Willie and Faith Gore, Terry and Pat Cox, Dianne and Claudia Martin, her caregiver Christie Abernathy, and many friends.

Visitation will be held at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 North Cobb Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA 30152, US, on August 5, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm