Darris Virginia Wilbourn, 98, of Caddo Valley, died June 20, 2022, in her sleep. She was born December 11, 1923, at home in Blytheville. She was the daughter of Buford Maxwell and Ella Hardin Maxwell, sharecroppers in Mississippi County. She was the eldest of five children, sister of Gladys, brother of Shields, brother of Carl, sister of Molly. 

She was preceded by her husband of 74 years, Ed Wilbourn, and all brothers and sisters except Carl Maxwell. She is survived by her daughter Linda Holway; son Ed Wilbourn and wife Patti; two grandsons Michael Wilbourn and his wife Trinity, Matthew Holway and his wife Jen. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and six nieces and nephews. 

Darris as a child helped with chores on the 40 acres her dad farmed until he succumbed to Tuberculosis when she was 12 years old. Her mom kept the family together and provided the best she could. Darris met Ed while the were both working at Hays General Store in Blytheville. She was just 17 when they were married on February 11, 1940 and remained so until 2015 when Ed passed away. 

Darris and Ed had quite an adventure from Arkansas to California, to Venezuela, back to California, Colorado, and back home to Arkansas. While in California during the ’40s and ’50s Darris worked as a nurse’s aide at the General Hospital and eventually a nurse at a MD office. She learned skills that allowed her to become a wonderful care giver to children and church members wherever she went. 

Perhaps Darris was best known for her fried fruit pies and fresh strawberry pies. Almost everyone she knew got more than one. She loved to cook and especially loved church socials and potlucks. Hospitality was truly her spiritual gift. Her gift matched up well as a ministry for providing young church members a place for fellowship, a meal, and lots of prayers for each of them. 

Darris’s life was an example of Faith, Hope, Humility, and being Content in whatever her state.

Graveside services are scheduled for Saturday, July 2, at 10 a.m. in the Caddo Valley Baptist Church Cemetery with Scott Duvall officiating.