Darlene McGowan (Anderson)

life story

Celebrating a loving mother and southern lady.

Darlene McGowan (Anderson), age 71, passed away on December 16, 2025, in Town and Country, Missouri, after a courageous journey through life that she met with grace, humor, and an open heart.

About Darlene

Born on August 19, 1954, in Forsyth, Georgia, Darlene was a proud Georgia girl through and through. She grew up in Savannah, Georgia, surrounded by siblings, laughter, and music. A natural performer and lover of harmony, she sang in the church choir alongside her sisters Glenda and her beloved twin, Arlene, and later played trombone in high school. With two sets of twins in her family, Darlene and her siblings were something of a local celebrity known, remembered, and talked about with fondness.

Summers were often spent together as a family on the water at Clark’s Hill, camping, laughing, and building memories that would last a lifetime. Darlene had a rare gift for making friends wherever she went and it was something she did effortlessly and sincerely. People were drawn to her warmth, her humor, and her ability to truly listen.

At her core, Darlene was a devoted homemaker, a florist at heart, and a deeply caring soul. She loved raising her children, tending to animals while living on a farm, and caring for her beloved Boston Terrier, who held a special place in her heart. Her hands were always busy cooking, arranging flowers, decorating, or helping someone in need.

Darlene worked for many years as a retail clerk, a role she genuinely enjoyed because it allowed her to connect with people and be part of her community. She thrived in customer-facing roles, where her kindness and conversation could brighten someone’s day. Her hobbies reflected who she was, like fishing with her brother Gene, cooking Southern comfort foods that brought everyone to the table, and celebrating Christmas with unmatched joy. Christmas was her favorite holiday, a season where she could decorate, create beautiful arrangements, and make everything feel magical.

The great love of Darlene’s life was her soulmate and life partner, Wayne Alan Wetzel. Their love was deep, visible, and unwavering. Wayne was what mattered most to her. Her daily joy came from making Wayne breakfast every morning, caring for her pets, and spending time shopping and laughing with her children. When Wayne suffered a stroke, Darlene showed extraordinary strength becoming his voice, his advocate, and his constant support. Through it all, she demonstrated resilience, devotion, and quiet courage.

Darlene is survived by her life partner, Wayne Alan Wetzel; her children Teresa Ellen Delacruz, Brian Allen McGowan, and Ryan Justan Wetzel and Martha-Anne Efird; her stepchildren Jennifer Rose Marie Bentz, Mike and Stephanie Sheree Illig, and Shane Alan Wetzel; and ten cherished grandchildren who brought her immense pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Johni Clyde Anderson and Dudley V. Anderson, and her beloved twin sister, Arlene Newman. She is also remembered fondly by her siblings Richard Newman, Glenda and Larry Anderson, Gene and Monica Anderson, and Jane Lee.

Those who knew Darlene describe her as warm, loving, funny, sweet, and sassy. She was known for her good cooking, her generous heart, and her ability to make people feel truly loved. She called those she cared about “Shug” or “Sugar,” often greeting them on the phone with those endearing words. “Bless your heart” and “You have a blessed day now” were staples of her vocabulary and phrases that could mean comfort, humor, or gentle truth, depending on the moment.

Darlene valued love above all else. She believed in giving, donating to food banks, the Salvation Army, and causes that helped others. She was involved in the Girl Scouts of America and attended Calvary Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, where she was very active in her younger years. She saw beauty in nature, found joy in simple moments, and taught those around her how to roll with the punches and keep going.

She taught her family not to take life too seriously, to enjoy each day as a gift, and to meet challenges with humor and grace. Her kind smile, her laughter, and her steady presence live on in those who loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor at:

Wright Prayer Tower

Epworth by the Sea

100 Arthur J. Moore Drive

St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522

Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Please reach out to Ryan Wetzel at 910-899-6644 for the viewing link.

In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, family and friends may honor Darlene’s memory by planting a memorial tree to support forest restoration.

For those wishing to send flowers, something Darlene loved deeply, arrangements may be sent through The Bouqs Co. to:

Epworth by the Sea

100 Arthur J. Moore Drive

St. Simons Island, Georgia 31522

Donations in her memory may also be made to the American Diabetes Association.

As Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters;

He restores my soul…

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life,

And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

— Psalm 23

Family and friends are warmly invited to share memories, photos, and stories, helping to celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and joy, and just as Darlene would have wanted.

Darlene cherished her Savannah childhood.

Darlene’s story begins in Savannah, Georgia, where her childhood was filled with family, music, and the easy closeness of siblings growing up side by side. Savannah was more than just where she lived, it shaped who she became. There was a rhythm to life there, a sense of community and warmth that Darlene carried with her always.

She grew up surrounded by her brothers and sisters, including her beloved twin, Arlene. Together with her sisters Glenda and Arlene, Darlene sang in the church choir, their voices blending in harmony and filling the sanctuary with joy. Music was part of everyday life.

With two sets of twins in the family, the Anderson household became something of a local celebrity, and Darlene embraced it with humor and pride. There was always laughter, conversation, and someone to talk to. She learned early how to connect with people, a gift she would carry into adulthood and use effortlessly for the rest of her life.

Summers were spent together as a family at Clark’s Hill, camping near the water, fishing, cooking, and creating memories that felt endless at the time. Those days simple, sun-filled, and full of togetherness became part of the foundation of who Darlene was. They taught her the joy of being present, the comfort of routine, and the beauty of shared moments. She really enjoyed just being around the ones she loved.

Savannah gave Darlene a love for community, faith, and beauty. She attended Calvary Baptist Church, where she was deeply involved and formed friendships that shaped her sense of belonging. She learned how to listen, how to show up for others, and how to find joy in the everyday.

The sweetness, humor, and grace she carried throughout her life were rooted in those early days.

memorial service

Celebration of Life for Darlene McGowan

January 10, 2026

Epworth By The Sea 100 Arthur J Moore Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522, USA

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor and remember Darlene McGowan, whose life was defined by love, laughter, and a generous spirit. Family and friends are invited to gather in a spirit of joy and remembrance to celebrate the many memories she shared and the countless lives she touched. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available on YouTube so all who loved Darlene may take part in honoring her life and legacy.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory