Darlene Patterson Payne departed her life here on January 6, 2014 to be with the Lord. Born October 8, 1945 to the late Sarah Patterson and Leroy Opie, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Alfred Patterson; and two sisters, Janis and Lillie Mae Patterson. Darlene was introduced to Christ at a young age and rededicated herself to the Lord in 1982. She was a faithful member of Cloverdale Baptist Church, where she fulfilled her service to the Lord on many organizations. She later transferred her membership to Columbia Baptist Church to be with her family. She remained steadfast in what she believed; she kept her faith in God and never wavered. She attended S.C. Abrams High School, where she met her one and only true love, Fermy Payne. They were united in marriage December 24, 1964. From their union came three children: one son, Jerome (Lisa) Payne of Chesterfield, VA; and two daughters, Tammy Payne of Columbia, VA and Christina Payne of Dillwyn, VA. Darlene had six grandchildren that brought her joy and laughter: NiKeia, Kanisha, William, Trevon, Kadasia and Trina. Also left to cherish her memory are one sister, Betty Yates of Baltimore, MD; two brothers, Gregory Opie of Wilson, NC and Donald (Deborah) Opie Hiram, GA; devoted and faithful cousins, Lucille Opie and Rosalie Bradley; two dedicated nieces, Theresa Anderson and Tinesha Payne; and special friends, Lillian Taylor and Blanche Hill; mother-in-law, Estelle Payne; two sisters-in-law, Theresa Bowles and Rosa Payne; one brother-in-law, Marshall (Lillian) Payne; and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends. Special thanks to the Laurels, Drs. James Bergin and Carolyn Friedman, and the UVA staff for their support and dedication. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Central Elementary School 3340 Central Plains Road Palmyra, VA 22963 with Rev. Philip A Carter officiating. Interment will follow in the Columbia Baptist Church Cemetery 116 Rivanna Street Columbia, VA 23038.