OBITUARIES

Dorothy Ruth Darlington transitioned peacefully at home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family, following a long battle with dementia.

Dorothy, who was affectionately known as “Dot,” was born on October 31, 1937, in Jackson, Tennessee, to the late Dora Ann Hicks Fuller and Raymond Williams. From a young age, Dorothy was raised by her grandparents, Robert and Seolia Hicks, in Alamo, Tennessee. In 1958, following the unexpected passing of her mother, Dora Ann, she returned to Jackson, Tennessee, to help care for her sisters Mary Ann and Linda for the next two years.

In 1960, Dorothy, along with her best friend Betty Jean Russell, moved to New York City to start a new life. During that time, Dorothy lived in Queens, New York, for several years and held various jobs.

Around 1964, Dorothy met her late husband John A. Darlington, and they were married on October 23, 1965. They had two children from that union, Lisa and Odell.

Dorothy was a devoted wife and mother who placed her children at the center of her life. She devoted many years to being a homemaker, joined the PTA, and was deeply involved in her children’s education and extracurricular activities.

After some time, she returned to the workforce, where she discovered a love for arts & crafts. One of Dorothy’s favorite pastimes was cooking and baking cakes and pies. She was also well known for her long walks throughout the neighborhoods of Harlem in New York City as a form of exercise.

Dorothy was a gentle soul, known for her patience and quiet strength. While she was stern when needed, she never lost sight of what mattered most, teaching her children to be kind, respectful, and to have compassion for others. She spoke her mind and wasn’t concerned about what others thought.

Dorothy will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered forever.

Dorothy was preceded in death by:
Husband: John A. Darlington, Sr.
Son: Odell Darlington
Stepson: John A. Darlington, Jr.
Granddaughter: Khaniyah M. Mack
Parents: Dora A. Hicks-Fuller and Raymond Williams
Stepfather: Eddie L. Fuller
Brothers: Johnny Fuller, John Fuller, and Jimmy Williams
Sister: Mary Ann White

Dorothy is survived by and leaves to mourn her passing:
Daughter: Lisa (Robert) Mack, Poughkeepsie, New York
Stepdaughters: Bertha J. Crawford, Carolyn (Calvin) Leno, Angela (Nathaniel) Vaughns, Annette English, and Pamela Darlington, all of Miami, Florida
Granddaughter: Keisha E. Wynn, Naples, Florida
Grandson: Keshawn Mack, Poughkeepsie, New York
Great-granddaughters: Kaleah, Kalani, and Kimora Roundtree, all of Naples, Florida
Brother: Robert Fuller, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Sisters: Linda (Carthel) Hill and Freddie (Roscoe) Mitchell, Jackson, Tennessee
And a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

"Mommy, we love you and will miss you dearly."
Your devoted and loving family