Nelda “Darlene” Stites, age 65, of Coweta, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026.

Born on August 7, 1961, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Lester and Betty Payne, Darlene spent her life nurturing her family and creating a warm, welcoming home. While she did not work a formal career outside the house, her life's work was providing a loving environment for anyone she came into contact with. She was a dedicated mother and an anchor for her extended family.

Darlene had a quiet passion for collecting various items she saw beauty in. She never passed a garage sale or thrift store without stopping to explore and, in most cases, take home some of the treasures she found inside. She also loved scrapbooking, preserving special memories of her family and the moments they shared. Her greatest joy was raising her children and supporting her grandchildren through every milestone.

She is survived by her four children, Charles McSperitt and his wife, Penny, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Michael “Mike” McSperitt and his spouse, Atoan Simpson, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Dallas Stites of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and JC “Jake” Stites III of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her cherished grandchildren, Moriah McSperitt, Colin McSperitt, Keira McSperitt, Claire McSperitt, Houstyn Stites, Paris Stites, Maverick Stites, Austin Stites, and Mallory Franks; her great-grandchildren, Jalani Armstead, Ja’Siah Armstead, Kaycen Lurks, and Kynslee Lurks; her brother, Loren Payne and his wife, Melody; and her sister, Natha Williams.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, JC “Jake” Stites Jr.; her parents, Lester and Betty Payne; her brother, Ray Payne; her sister, Wilma Erwin; and her son, Merle McSperitt.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service Chapel in Coweta, Oklahoma.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Darlene’s family entrusted her care, cremation, and service to Brown’s Funeral & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, Oklahoma 74429, 918-486-5515.