Darlene Atwood

Darlene Musick Atwood, 84, passed away peacefully at her home early Saturday morning, January 10, 2026, after a long illness. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Joe Atwood, daughter Valerie Flint (Bryan), daughter in law Lisa Atwood, sons Michael Atwood and Austin Atwood (Shana). Grandchildren Ricky Shaw, Courtney Warwick (Drew), Joe Atwood (Whitney), Jesse Atwood, Geena Atwood, Blake Atwood and Carter Atwood. Great Grandchildren Audrey, Ally and Austin Shaw, Carleigh, Finleigh and Tucker Warwick, Corbin and Raya Atwood, and David Oliver Atwood. She was preceded in death by her son David, her daughter in law Michelle, her parents and her brothers Donald, Harold and Gene. She was born to Cecil Thomas Carter and Beulah Musick in Elk City Oklahoma. Her father worked for the railroad and they settled in Clovis, New Mexico. Mom often told the story that their house was marked as a safe house and the men hopping the trains looking for work knew they could come there and get something to eat. Mom and her 3 brothers were raised by loving parents in a loving and adventurous home. She was a Clovis Wildcat and that suited her. She began her career working for Western Union, who held a job for her until she graduated high school as she scored the highest score to date in the state of New Mexico when testing for qualification. Western Union and serendipity sent her from Clovis to Alamogordo, New Mexico, where a certain young man named Joe Atwood was stationed at Holliman Air Force Base. He brought Darlene home with him, they married and started a family, raising 4 children. Their home was filled with love, good times, lots of laughs, and sports never-ending. The back yard was a football field, a baseball field, and she didn’t mind the dirt spots in the yard that were bases. The road in front of the house was a basketball court lit by the glow of the street light, and during the 1970s there were lots of late nighters with the neighborhood kids and a basketball. Her biggest passion was her family, but she couldn’t escape working outside the home, her mind was too sharp and she excelled at any pursuit. She spent 16 years working for District Attorney Lewis May, several years for John Muse State Farm Insurance, and the last 24 years was spent as Administrator of Elections for Johnson County, TN, a position in which she took great pride. She also claims credit, and rightfully so, for obtaining two Master’s degrees (although it’s possible her name is not on the diplomas). She was a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain City where she attended faithfully until she became unable to do so. She served as church secretary for several years and edited some of the books and publications written by Dr. Ed Carrier.

Our family would like to extend a deep appreciation to Amedisys Home Health, Amedisys Hospice, Mom’s hospice aide Gail Miller who is amazing, and everyone who has provided care to Dad’s wife and our beautiful mom these last few months. In addition to her family, she had the most wonderful caregivers at home, full of compassion and kindness and brightened her day. Forever grateful to Nancy Proffitt (and her cooking), Maelie Luckett, Macey Luckett, and especially Sarah Icenhour who spent many hours in the home, such a blessing to Mom as well as the rest of the family. We will be always be grateful for the support and kindness shown.

The family will receive friends Wednesday January 14, 2026 from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. from Mountain City Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Sam Icenhour to officiate. Graveside service to follow from Sunset Memorial Park. 

Online condolences can be sent at www.mountaincityfh.com

The family of Darlene Musick Atwood has entrusted her services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN, 37683.