Darlene J. Hilditch (Arrington), 77, of Poquoson, Virginia, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born on February 2, 1948, in Waynesville, North Carolina, to the late John Robert Arrington and Ruth Coward Arrington. Darlene was a 1966 graduate of Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Virginia. She later attended James Madison University and earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from Old Dominion University.
Darlene devoted her life to her family, her faith, and her calling as an educator. Following a difficult divorce, she courageously raised her three children on her own, instilling in them the values of perseverance, compassion, and faith. She is survived by her loving children: Colleen West (Richard), Christopher Hilditch (Susan), and Brian Hilditch (Melanie). She leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Brandon Oakes (Brittany), Tyler Walters (Lupe), Zachary Kirwan (Natalie), Delia Quinn, Aidan Hilditch, Mark Hilditch, Mary Grace Hilditch, Jacob Hilditch, and Colin Hilditch, as well as one great-grandchild, Rhys. She is also survived by two dear friends, Lorna and Joey, who held a special place in her heart.
For over three decades, Darlene dedicated her career to teaching elementary school students in Virginia, New Jersey, and Delaware. Even after her retirement, her love for teaching drew her back to the classroom as a substitute teacher in South Carolina. Generations of students benefited from her patience, warmth, and passion for education. A strong Christian woman, Darlene’s faith was the foundation of her life. She embraced both her Catholic and Baptist traditions, drawing strength and inspiration from each. She made lifelong friendships within her church communities and was deeply committed to serving others through her faith.
In her leisure time, Darlene found joy in reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her Family as well as her church and friends. She touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
Darlene’s family and friends will remember her as a woman of resilience, grace, and deep faith—a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend whose love and legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.
A memorial service will be held locally at her last church home of Poquoson Baptist Church on October 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM to celebrate her life and her contributions to this church community, and a memorial service for Darlene’s family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Central Baptist Temple in Sanford, 1411 Fire Tower Road, Sanford, NC 27330.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Darlene’s memory to Central Baptist Temple in Sanford, 1411 Fire Tower Road, Sanford, NC 27330 (https://centralbaptisttemple.com/).
3 Comments
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a warm and caring person. I know the Holy Family Parish community benefited from her loving support. Miss seeing your family on a weekly basis as CCD classes were being held. She will definitely be missed! Love and prayers to you all!
So sorry for your loss. She sounds like a remarkable woman.
May you rest in peace, Darlene. Our fourth grade team at Park was amazing. Always loved those years together at Park.