Gautier, Darlene Clemons
Darlene Clemons Gautier, 82 of Rich Creek, VA, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family on October 4, 2025. Born August 18,1943 in Glen Lyn, VA, she was the daughter of the late Ned and Ella Jane Perdue Clemons.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bobby Lee Gautier; brothers, Curtis, Marvin, Buddy, Claude and Jackie Clemons; and sisters, Thelma Suddith, Vada Cline, Charlotte Scott, and Jeanette Thornton.
Darlene was active in the community through church, schools, and sports activities supporting them anytime there was a need. She was a member of the Peterstown Christian Church where she taught the young children for 53 years, directed the children’s choir, sang in the church choir, was a member of the ladies’ missionary group, participated in church plays and V.B.S. programs and decorated the church.
She worked in the public in many capacities. She was a sales clerk, sales demonstrator, assistant town office clerk, floral designer, librarian and substitute teacher.
When her children entered school, she was active in many ways. She was a homeroom mom, P.T.A. president, fundraising chairman, brownie girl scout leader, cub scout den mom, cheerleading coach, volunteer substitute teacher, organizer of a St. Jude Bike A-Thon and chairman of the American Heart Association Fund Drive. She was also the Narrows High School band booster treasurer and fundraising chairman. She chaperoned school dances and school trips.
She was an avid sports fan since her high school days and this continued through her grandchildren’s sports programs, as she supported James Monroe Mavericks, Giles Spartans, Blacksburg Bruins and University of Mary Washington Eagles. She was a dedicated Green Wave fan. She enjoyed her hummingbirds and cooking for her family who were regularly treated with two of her favorite recipes, “preacher cookies” and her “five flavor pound cake.”
Darlene volunteered with the Narrows Recreation Department for 30 years chaperoning dances, fundraising activities, collecting admissions and was the coordinator for the Narrows Park Commission Park Booster membership. In 2018, the Narrows Homecoming Festival was dedicated to her.
Darlene will be remembered by many as “The 50/50 Lady” and for her special preacher cookies.
Something you would hear her say, “If, at the end of the day you have helped someone, given or received a smile, you have been blessed. I am truly blessed.”
Those left to cherish Darlene’s memory include one son, Wayne Gautier (Sherry); three daughters, Sheri Smith (Todd), Lisa Young (Mark), and Cindy Gautier (Steve Chafin); grandchildren, Drew Smith (Hollie), Trevor Smith (Kayla), Haley Ferguson (Wes), Ethan Young (Jordyn Johnson), Matthew Gillispie (Kendal Sell), and Alex Gillispie (Reagan); great grandchildren Kieryn, Anduin, Emma and Easton Smith; several nieces and nephews; former son-in-law Brian Gillispie; caregivers Linda Allen and Donna Jones; and special friend Alvin McGuire.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Carilion Hospice Care Team, Carilion Giles Community Hospital nursing staff, Carilion Clinic Home Care and Centerwell Home Health for their care and kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, WV with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Visitation with the family will be held from 12:30 PM until time of services on Wednesday at the funeral home. In addition, Drew Smith, Trevor Smith, Wes Ferguson, Ethan Young, Matthew Gillispie and Alex Gillispie will serve as honorary pall bearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations to be made in memory of Darlene Clemons Gautier to the Giles Lifesaving and Rescue Squad, 175 Industrial Park Drive, Pearisburg, VA, 24134 or the Narrows Athletic Fund, PO Box 114, Narrows, VA, 24124.
