Four Oaks, NC: Mrs. Darlene Richards Adams, age 79, of Old School Road passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC surrounded by her loving family. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM to 10:45AM on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Oliver's Grove Baptist Church in Four Oaks. Funeral Services will be 11:00AM Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Oliver's Grove Baptist Church in Four Oaks. Officiating will be Rev. David Brantley. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Born along the rivers and steel mills of Pittsburgh, PA in 1946, Darlene grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, her 2 brothers, and a baby sister she adored. She graduated from Braddock High School in 1964 as the first high school graduate in her family. Darlene was trained as a bookkeeper, and she continued in this career until her retirement nearly 20 years ago.

Darlene was also a beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She loved her family fiercely. From originally helping to raise her sister’s children when they were young, to becoming the proudest MaMaw to ever walk this earth, Darlene loved, and was loved. She was a single mother to her only daughter, Kelly for 19 years until she met and married the love of her life, Wilson Adams on March 26th, 1994. At that point, her heart grew to love not only Wilson, but his extremely large family as well. She adored Wilson’s children, Chris and Tammy, and their own children brought her nothing but joy and happiness throughout the years. In addition to her love of her family, Darlene was also a faithful member of Oliver’s Grove Baptist Church in Four Oaks for over 20 years.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Mack and Nora Richards, her sister Colleen Biehl, and her beloved husband, Wilson Adams. She leaves behind her daughter, Kelly McKnight (Shawn), step daughter Tammy Norris, and step son Chris Adams (Susan). Also surviving are Darlene’s grandchildren, Jacob Norris (Haley), Luke Norris, Selena Adams, Elijah Adams, Lane Adams, Cole Adams and her great grandson, Remington (Remi) Adams. Darlene also leaves behind two brothers, Mack (Butch) and Larry Richards, as well as many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. 

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC.