Neva Darling, 95, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Forest City, North Carolina. She was born in Alfred, New York, on December 16, 1924, the youngest of four daughters born to Clarence and Edith Jacox. Neva was married to Lee Darling for 48 years, who predeceased her in 1991. Neva grew up on a dairy farm, and she and her sisters helped with farm chores milking cows, working in the hay field, gathering eggs and helping with the garden. After she married, Neva worked as a cook at Kappa Psi Fraternity in Alfred, NY cooking two meals a day for 40 male college students. She was an excellent cook and made sure her family had a hot breakfast and a healthy supper every day. Neva belonged to the Rebekah’s and Eastern Star in Alfred. Lee’s work in the telephone industry took them to West Virginia, Ohio and South Carolina. Neva worked in retail in women’s sportswear at department stores in Ohio and South Carolina. Upon retirement Neva and Lee moved to Florida and enjoyed many years there together before Lee passed away. Later Neva moved to North Carolina to be closer to her children. She enjoyed her home and friends in Sparks Crossing in Spindale. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton.
Neva is survived by daughters Peggy (David) Truscott of Spindale, NC, Faith (Stan) Caniglia of Hudson, OH and Aven (Bill) Short of Charlotte, NC and daughter-in-law Jan Darling of Seneca, SC. Survivors also include 7 grandchildren, Matt (Rhonda) Auberle, Chris (Amy) Caniglia, Joe (Aimee) Caniglia, David Brannon, Megan Short, Lauren (Neal) Axley, and Evan Short. She is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Neva was also predeceased by her 3 sisters, Ferne Snyder, Eva Spaine and Bernice Pierce; her son Bill Darling, and her grandson Greg Auberle.
Services will be held Wednesday, March 11 at 4:00 pm at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. In-Yong Lee officiating.
Friends may visit with the family after the memorial service in the fellowship hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church Roof Fund, 264 N Main St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, or to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.
Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.