WILMINGTON — Darlene went home to the Lord on March 24th, 2026. This beautiful lady was born on June 10th, 1936 in Mobridge, South Dakota.
Daughter of the late Lars Opheim and Gunilda Johnson Opheim.
She was preceded in death by her Husband of 67 years, Thomas Joseph Hagg and a Son, William Thomas Hagg as well as her two Brothers, Donald Opheim and Arlis Opheim.
Darlene is survived by two Daughters, Kimberly Hagg Carson and Husband Robert Gregory Carson of Greensboro and Patricia Hagg Gilley of Wrightsville Beach; two Grandsons, Travis Lee Carson and Wife Jodi of Burlington and Thomas Dalton Gilley and Wife Sarrah of Wilmington; one Granddaughter, Dakota Kateland Carson of Greensboro; four Great Grandchildren, William Porter Carson, Finnley Sevat Carson, Greta Aileen Carson, and Micah Troy Gilley. She is also survived by her sister, LaVerne Opheim Gleason.
Darlene Grew up in Selby, South Dakota on a farm where her grandparents settled as immigrants from Norway. After graduating high school, she attended University in South Dakota for two years before moving to North Hollywood, California where she got a job working for Pacific Bell Phone Company.
It was there she met her soulmate Tom. He was on liberty in North Hollywood while serving in the Navy. They were married on October 12, 1957 and lived in Pennsylvania until settling in North Carolina in 1963 where she could be close to her sister LaVerne.
Darlene stayed busy and had several jobs outside the home including selling clothing and jewelry through home parties. When Tom opened his business, Modern Exteriors in 1973, she was by his side working in the office and helping him build it for many years while simultaneously being a great homemaker, wife, and mother. Her love for all things old and antique is known by all that knew her. She spent many hours treasure hunting for old furniture, etc. and restoring them to their former glory.
She was talented and artistic and loved to sew, paint, and bake. Darlene had an uncanny way of attracting the attention of others. She was very social and people were drawn to her. She was smart, funny, and always dressed beautifully, often complimenting her outfit with the perfect hat.
Darlene and her family attended Merrit Dr. Church of God (now Living Hope Worship Center) from 1963. She was active in the Church, helping whenever there was a need. Tom moved her to a farm in Burlington in 1993 where he built her dream house. She quickly became involved in the Glencoe community through friends and neighbors, George and Jerrie Nall. She spent many hours helping with the Textile Museum and contributing to the antique and vintage clothing displays. Darlene was a truly unique soul and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. It is a comfort to know that she is now with the Lord and reunited with Tom and all of those that have gone on before her in her forever home.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 8th at Living Hope Worship Center. 1907 Merrit Dr. Greensboro NC, 27407. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice.
