Darlene Hyder Smith, age 97, passed peacefully from this world to her eternal resting place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Born May 27, 1928, she was the daughter of James Franklin Hyder and Rhoda Sims Hyder. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Quinton A. Richardson, Mell J. Estep and Curtis Smith; and her two sons, William "Bill" Richardson and Rick Quinton Richardson, all of Elizabethton.

Most recently, she attended Pleasant Beach Baptist Church in Elizabethton but had also been a longtime attendee of Borderview Christian Church. She is a former employee of North American Rayon Corporation of Elizabethton but spent most of her life as a homemaker. Family and friends will remember her as an excellent cook who enjoyed making meals for her loved ones. Her famous carrot cake was always one of the most sought after desserts at church meals, and her homemade yeast rolls were the center of every family meal.

Those who remain to mourn her passing include four grandchildren, Keely Richardson Goodwin, Cory Richardson (Krista), Scottie Richardson Hoogkamp and Brent Richardson; two nephews, Tony Bowers (Linda), Brett Hyder, and one niece, Jill Hyder Long (Lemont). She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren, great nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ivy Hall Nursing Home for their dedication and loving care.

Graveside services will be conducted by Rev. Todd Hallman at Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton on Wednesday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m.  Family and friends meet at the cemetery at 12:50 p.m. prior to the services. Condolences may be sent to our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is Serving the Smith Family