Mrs. Darlene Nock Ryan, 79, of Ashland, formerly of Onancock, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
She was born on Nov. 9, 1946, in Nassawadox, to the late Edward Arnold Nock and Frances Nock Warren (née Cobb).
Darlene was raised in Onancock and was a proud 1965 graduate of Onancock High School.
Darlene enjoyed working as a patient representative for Virginia Urology.
She grew up attending Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church with her family, where she was baptized, and that foundation of faith remained meaningful throughout her life.
In Richmond, she found fellowship and friendship through other churches, Bible study groups, and service activities over the years.
Darlene enjoyed craft projects and was gifted in flower arranging and wreath making. She was known for her caring nature and dedication to others.
She cherished her family and the relationships she built throughout her life. The strength of her character was underscored during her 12-year battle with cancer. She did not let her disease define her. She rose above it, choosing to focus on being herself with others, offering a beautiful and ready smile, and sharing a lighthearted sense of humor and joyful laughter.
She is survived by her sons, John R. Doughty Jr. (Tina) and Rodney E. Doughty (Brittany), both of Richmond; her sisters, Kitty Nock Burton (Al), of Mechanicsville, and Ida Lynn Nottingham (Steve), of Exmore; and her brother, John Eddie Nock (Nancy), of Sandy Hook. She was also beloved by two nieces and four nephews and their children.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her great-nephew.
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams Funeral Home in Onancock on Friday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Geneviève Beauchamp officiating. There will be a visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Private interment will be held at the Onancock Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Darlene’s memory may be made to Naomi Makemie Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 397, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
