Tupelo - Darlene Gentry Christian, 93, passed away June 17, 2026, in Tupelo, Mississippi. She was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi on July 12, 1932, to John Gentry and Icie Sappington Gentry. She was a descendent of early settlers in the Pontotoc area and was extremely proud of her Pontotoc heritage. She was a graduate of Pontotoc High School and was a member of the Beta Club. She married Harold Christian on December 6, 1952. They made their home in the Auburn community and she was a homemaker but had worked in retail.

Darlene enjoyed sewing and crafts. She was the oldest member of the Auburn Baptist Church with a membership from the 1950’s. She loved participating in church activities and had been a Sunday School Teacher.

She was preceded in her husband, Harold Christian of 63 years, in February of 2015, and her parents.

She is survived by two daughters, Patti Kemp (Tommy) of Mooreville and Teresa Reno (Toby) of Kingsport, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Thomas Christian Kemp (Magean) of Fulton and Ashley Reno Cotey (Ben) of Milton, Georgia; two great grandchildren, Andrew Cotey and Harrison Cotey; two sisters-in-law, Rachel Maxwell (Charles), and Fay Bell; one brother-in-law, Ray Christian; and a special friend, Kay Pomella.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Manor on Lawndale Assisted Living for their care and concern.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. until service time Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Pegues, Tupelo.

Services honoring the life of Mrs. Darlene will be 2 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Bro. John Cagle officiating. Burial will follow at Auburn Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.