Darlene Pittman Cantrell

Darlene Pittman Cantrell, 79, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem.

Darlene was born in Forsyth County, on February 18,1946 to the late C.W. and Hettie (Watford) Pittman. She was a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school to young bus boys. She taught pre-school and was the daycare supervisor at Gospel Light Christian School for over 20 years. She retired from Bowman Gray School of Medicine, where she was an administrative secretary for over 25 years. She shared her love for children by serving in a leadership role throughout the years in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Little League and other things as well. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and numerous activities. Darlene was faithful Christian, church goer, and loved the Lord. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She would always put others first.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Marty Young, five brothers-in-law, Guy Cantrell, Joel Cantrell, Bill Summey, H.C. “Red” Jackson, and Grant Young, and two sisters-in-law, Kay Peele and Loretta Cooper.

Surviving is her husband of 61 years, Garry L. Cantrell, of the home; a son, Gary W. Cantrell (wife Marla) of Belews Creek, and a daughter, Christy C. Whicker (husband Rodney) of Winston-Salem; granddaughter, Brooke C. Gibson (husband Andrew), granddaughter, Tiffani T. Martin (husband David), grandson, Travis A. Cantrell (wife Claire), granddaughter, Courtney T. James (husband Devon), grandson, Tai Funk; and great-grandchildren, Austin Cantrell, Raelynn Martin, Dawson James, Perry Gibson, River Cantrell, Raleigh Gibson, Easton Martin, Talon James, Atlas Gibson, and Kaybree Martin. Darlene is also survived by her sister, Vicki S. Jackon (a friend Charles “Slick” Poteat), of Lewisville, a brother, Wayne Pittman (fiancée Tamara Mallory), of Winston-Salem.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, June 23rd, 2025, at Gospel Light Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC., with Bro. Frank Shumate and Bro. Steve Roberson officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00-9:45 a.m. at the church. The burial will be at Gardens of Memory in Walkertown, NC following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Gospel Light Baptist Church, (write – Bus Ministry on the memo). Mail to P.O. Box 38, Walkertown, NC 27051.

The family would like to thank Trellis Supportive Care of Winston-Salem for its involvement in Darlene’s care. We also want to say a heartfelt “Thank You”, to all the staff at Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem for the support and loving care they gave for Darlene. We would like to extend special recognition to Angela, Carmelita, and Olivia for the customized care and compassion that they demonstrated during Darlene’s stay at Brighton Gardens.

Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel is assisting the family.