Obituary of Rachel Frances Darling

Rachel Frances Darling passed away peacefully in Charlotte, NC on May 15, 2018 at the age of 34.

Rachel is survived by her parents, Barbara Hopkins Darling of Charlotte, NC and John E. Darling, Jr. of Asheville, NC; partner, Ryan Russell of Huntersville, NC; sister, Wendy (Karl) Pittard of Huntsville, AL; niece, Sarah Pittard of Huntsville, AL; nephew, Benjamin Pittard of Huntsville, AL; and maternal aunt, Peggy (Mike Bell) Hopkins of Asheboro, NC.

Rachel also leaves behind her maternal uncle, Stephen (Hilde) Hopkins of Pawley’s Island, SC; cousin, Bradley Hopkins of Pawley’s Island, SC; paternal aunt, Kathie Fennell of Rock Hill, SC; cousin, Will (Elizabeth) Fennell of Sharon, SC; paternal aunt, Nancy (Rob) Livermon of Cary, NC; cousin, Jeannie (Brian) Grizzle and her family of Spartanburg, SC; cousin, Beth (Carson) Lynn and her family of Willow Springs, NC; and cousin, Megan (Jon) Warrick of Fuquay Varina, NC.

Rachel was born on November 22, 1983 in Charlotte.  She graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 2002 and attended Meredith College.  She was on the tennis team in both high school and college.  She nannied for many kids and had a lasting impression on their lives.  She loved her friends’ children and her niece and nephew as if they were her own.  She worked as a customer service manager with Portrait Innovations for several years.  She loved sunsets, photography, thunderstorms, music, the beach, and her sweet pup, Sophie.  She met her partner, Ryan, in July 2015 and they were together through it all, even as she passed away.

Her memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 20, 2018 at Avondale Presbyterian Church in Charlotte with a reception to follow in the fellowship hall.  Dr. John Earl will officiate the ceremony.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rachel’s life.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Teal Diva (www.tealdivanc.org) or to Avondale Presbyterian Church.  The family would like to thank Dr. Kellie Schneider and Novant Health Gynecologic Oncology Associates as well as Novant Health Hospice & Palliative Care for their support, care, and dedication to Rachel.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6.