Darlena Kathy (Thaxton) Wheatcraft

In addition to her parents, Darlena was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years, Robert Wheatcraft, her sisters Dixie Krichbaum and Ann Thaxton, and her brother Rocky Thaxton.

Left to cherish Darlena's memory are her son Robert Wheatcraft, Jr. (wife Brenda), her daughter Laura Patrick (husband Tim), her sister Nadine Gandy, her brother Sonny Thaxton, and several nieces and nephews.

Darlena loved taking care of children and had a passion for teaching them. She especially loved teaching children about the Lord. She loved to cook and sing with her husband. Darlena supported her husband's evangelical ministries at various nursing homes and community churches.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home, 522 Wilkesboro Blvd Se, Lenoir, NC 28645.

A funeral service for Darlena will be held 3:00 PM on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. James Wilfong.

A private burial will take place at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Lenoir.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Highways to Hedges Ministry, 1002 North Main Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Pendry's Lenoir Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Darlena Kathy Thaxton Wheatcraft.