Darlene Carter

Althea Darlene Stevens Carter, 67, of Oak Ridge, LA, passed away on May 2, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, LA.

Darlene, affectionately known as “Dar-Dar”, was born February 23, 1959, to the late Alton Stevens and Trilby DeCosta Stevens. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Henry ‘Rusty” Carter; her son, Dustin Blake Carter; and her sisters, Gayle Sheridan Stevens, Teressa Ann Stevens Carter, and Jenny Brenda Stevens Meredith.

Darlene lived life boldly and joyfully. Known for her loud, vibrant, and larger-than-life personality, she brought energy, laughter, and unmistakable presence wherever she went- there was never a doubt when “Dar-Dar” was in the room. Her spirit was contagious, and her love for life and Jesus was evident to all who knew her.

Above all, Darlene’s greatest passion was her family. She came from a large, close-knit family and cherished every moment spent with them. She shared a deep and special bond with her seven sisters, who remained a constant source of love and companionship throughout her life. Darlene adored her many nieces and nephews, and her affection only grew as the family expanded to include her beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. One only had to visit her Facebook page to see she took immense pride in each of them, celebrating their lives, milestones, and everyday moments with joy and enthusiasm. Her love for her family was unwavering and evident in everything she did.

Darlene dedicated many years of service to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry before retiring. In her retirement, she embraced one of her greatest joys—travel. She spent her time exploring new places, making memories, and reconnecting with extended family and friends. She especially looked forward to returning to the Grand Cayman Islands to visit her extended family and friends, a trip she had eagerly planned but was unable to take.

She is survived by her sisters: Betty Stevens Hilton of Winnsboro, LA; Deborah Stevens Chapman of Winnsboro, LA; Kathy Stevens Sanford and her husband Jimmy of Monroe, LA; and Cynthia Stevens Huff and her husband Todd of Winnsboro, LA. She is also survived by numerous first cousins and a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews who will forever cherish her memory.

Darlene was a member of Start Baptist Church in Start, LA. In accordance with her wishes, no memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, food, or gifts, donations may be made in her memory to the Start Baptist Church Building Fund, 892 Charleston Drive, Rayville, LA 71269, gideons.org, or to a cause close to her heart: “Runnin’ with Faster Pastor – Jeff Thomas”, St. Jude Hero for St. Jude Research Hospital: http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/jeffthomas-berlin2026

Online condolences may be made at www.dennardfirstnational.com .