Darlene Marie Ballard

Darlene Marie Ballard, née Bound, age 61, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on July 23, 1964, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of David Bound Sr. and Violet Bound, née Sykes.

She shared 41 beautiful years with her beloved husband Kenneth. Together they raised three daughters, and Darlene was a devoted mother to Beth MacLaird (Gordon), Lisa Ballard, and Kimberly Wilson (Joe). She was a loving Nana to her six grandchildren: Kensley, Abbylin, Jayden, James, Deaken, and Faith. Known for her generous spirit and kind heart, Darlene was a friend to everyone she met and the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back. One of ten children, she cherished traveling to Ohio, Indiana, and Florida to visit her siblings. She found joy in playing her favorite slot machines at the casino, feeding hummingbirds, watching for cardinals at her feeder, baking with her grandchildren, shopping with her daughters, and sharing many special “Olive Garden dates” with those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny, her parents David and Violet Bound, and her brother David Bound Jr. She is survived by her three daughters, six grandchildren, five sisters, three brothers, many nieces and nephews, a multitude of friends, and her dear “person,” Debbie.