Darlene Sue Southerly, age 80 of Harpers Ferry, WV formerly of Moorefield, WV, passed away Thursday morning, July 2, 2026, at the Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center in Petersburg, WV. Born on March 8, 1946, in Petersburg, WV, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Larry Cosner and Peggy Susan (Parsons) Cosner. She was preceded in death by spouses; Andy Clower and Robert “Oat” Southerly.
Darlene was a devoted mother, a hard worker, and a familiar face in the Moorefield community. In her earlier years, she could often be found working alongside her first husband, Andy, helping him with logging duties in the woods. Following Andy’s passing, Darlene poured her strength into raising their son, Dwight. To support her family, she took on various roles throughout the area. She worked at local sewing factories and retail stores and served as a Quality Assurance worker at the former Wampler Cook Plant in Moorefield. Over the years, Darlene was always willing to lend a hand and took on odd jobs-including cleaning physician’s offices and caring for the elderly-demonstrating her lifelong work ethic and compassionate.
Darlene always enjoyed baking, especially cookies and pies. She became well known for her salmon cakes, a recipe passed down from her mother, and her pumpkin cookies. She enjoyed watching baking shows, tending her roses, and fishing. During her stay at Grant Rehab, she and her roommate, Donna, spent time tending to several plants. Darlene loved being around people, and during her stay she played bingo and visited other residents at the facility. Darlene was recently named the GRCC Cupid’s Queen and the GRCC Resident of the Month. Her warmth and social spirit touched many during her time there. If you ask her, her greatest accomplishment was her family. She was incredibly proud of her loved ones and cherished every moment spent with her granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
Surviving is her son Dwight (Amy) Clower of Harper’s Ferry; stepsons, Steve (Christina) Southerly and Scott (Melinda) Southerly; grandchildren, Allyssa Clower, Steven Southerly, Cody Southerly, Shelby Southerly, Connor Southerly, Jacob Southerly and Faith Southerly; a great-granddaughter, Avery and several step-greatgrandchildren. The family would like to send their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and nurses for her care during her stay at Grant Rehabilitation and Care Center.
Funeral Services will be conducted 7:00pm Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, with Pastor David Stephens officiating. Interment will be at a later date at St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until the time of service on Wednesday.
To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Darlene’s extraordinary life, visit her Tribute Wall at and celebrate the impact she made on all those around her.
