Doris Darden Smith McClenney passed away on January 26, 2026 at the age of 97. Born and raised in the Wythe area of Hampton, she was the daughter of Walter T. Darden and Mildred Church Darden.

Doris attended both elementary and junior high school in Wythe and went on to graduate from Hampton High School, Class of 1946.  She then strengthened her knowledge of clothing design by attending schools in Sarasota, Florida, Richmond, Virginia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California.  Upon her return home, Doris worked as the secretary at her father's business, Peninsula Electric Company in Wythe and in later years retired as the company's CEO.

Doris married R. Harold Smith in 1952, and they had two sons, Harold D. Smith and Steven L. Smith.  Later in life, Doris married Everton Vernon McClenney, Jr.  and together they shared many wonderfully happy years.

A faithful member of Hampton Baptist Church for more than 70 years, Doris participated in many church activities and served in various capacities throughout her life.  Along with her devotion to her family and her church, Doris was known for her delicious cooking and baking, her remarkable green thumb, and her love of dancing. She cherished the many dog companions who brought her joy over the years.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband, E. Vernon McClenney; grandson, Matthew Thomas Smith; brother, Thomas Darden; and sister, Evelyn Darden Carr; she leaves to cherish her memory, sons, Harold D. Smith and Steven L. Smith (Karen); grandchildren, Christopher Smith, Timothy Smith, Carter Smith and Madison Smith; great-grandson, Stone Smith; daughter-in-law, Karen Smith; step-children, Michael V. McClenney, Lynda K. Summers, and Nancy L. McClenney; brother-in-law, Ellis McClenney; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces as well as all her friends at Hampton Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to caregivers, Brenda Thomas and Tonya Bohannan.

A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on February 6, 2026 at Hampton Baptist Church, 40 Kings Way, Hampton, VA by the Rev. Andrew Garnett. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service from 12 PM to 1 PM.  A reception will follow the service.  Doris will be laid to rest with her husband Vernon at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Suffolk, VA on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 11 AM.

In addition to flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hampton Baptist Church or click here to donate.