Janie L. Darien

Janie L. Darien, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2014 due to complications of a stroke and end stage renal disease. Janie was born in Darlington, South Carolina on January 3, 1936 to James ("Jim") and Mary Smoot, Sr. When Janie was 3 years old, her mother passed away. Rosa Smoot, a faithful older sister, helped their father raise Janie, brother James Jr. ("Monk") and sister Bertha ("Bert"). After high school graduation, Janie moved to New York City where she earned a degree through a baby nursing program run by Columbia. While working at St. Vincent's Hospital, she met and fell in love with fellow South Carolinian Arthur Darien, Jr. Months prior to their wedding in 1958, Arthur joined the United States Air Force, eventually retiring at the rank of Captain. During his 26 years of military service, Janie and Arthur had five children: Arthur L. III, Denise Y. (deceased), Kendall R., Alan B. and Michele Y. Her husband's service enabled the family to live in several states as well as Okinawa and Germany. Her careers as a military spouse included sales representative at the Lackland BX and Air Force ROTC detachment secretary at Wright State University in Ohio. Janie made sure to introduce her children to the Holy Bible, prayer and faith when they were very young. She taught them that there's no such word as "can't". ("I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13) Her relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was strong during her time on Earth, and she is no doubt rejoicing in His presence now. Janie is survived by husband Arthur, Jr. as well as her children and two daughters-in-law Arthur and his wife April, Kendall, Alan and his wife Lisa, and Michele. She is also survived by grandchildren Lauren D. (Alan and Lisa), Arthur L. IV (Arthur and April) and Anthony L. (Arthur and April). In addition, her beloved "baby" brother Johnny and his wife Doris survive her along with a host of nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins, including beloved cousins Willie Wes Bristow, Jr. and his sister Bea Miles. A repast will be held Sunday afternoon following a pre-planned anniversary celebration of her husband's 11 years of service as pastor of the Gardendale Community Baptist Church.