Darline McCartney's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Darline McCartney
A life so full of love can never truly be measured in years, but in the family she cherished, the lives she touched, and the memories she created.
With hearts full of love and gratitude for the time we were blessed to share with her, we celebrate the life of Darline McCartney, who peacefully entered eternal rest on June 24, 2026, at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia, surrounded by the love of her family.
Darline was born on July 5, 1947, in Washington, D.C., to Mary Ann Edwards Lawrence. Throughout her life, she proudly called Richard Calvin Lawrence her father, and he remained the father she loved and honored.
One of the greatest blessings of Darline’s life was her marriage to the love of her life, Charles Joseph McCartney Jr. After knowing each other for just three months, they were married on June 10, 1967, beginning a journey that would span more than 46 years. Together they built a loving home, raised their family, and shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
For 25 years, Darline proudly served her country through her work with the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). She served with dedication, integrity, and quiet strength, earning the respect of those who had the privilege of working alongside her. While she took great pride in her career, nothing brought her more joy than coming home to the family she loved so dearly.
Outside of work, Darline found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved camping, boating, crocheting, dancing, and, above all else, spending time with her family. Whether gathered around a campfire, enjoying a day on the water, or simply sitting together, those were the moments she treasured most.
Those who knew Darline will remember her as kind, loving, strong, hardworking, loyal, generous, and fiercely independent. She was wonderfully stubborn, and that determination carried her through life’s challenges.
To Darline, family wasn’t defined by blood. Our friends became her kids too because she opened her home, her heart, and her life to anyone who needed love. There was always room for one more at her table, one more place to sleep, and one more person to love. If you walked through her front door, you became part of her family.
She gave freely of herself. Whether it was a place to stay, a warm meal, a shoulder to lean on, or simply someone to listen, Darline made people feel safe, accepted, and loved. Even if someone brought her food, she would immediately offer to share it. She always asked how others were doing and never missed an opportunity to remind them they were beautiful or handsome.
She taught those around her more than words ever could. She shared her love of crocheting, had a song for nearly every occasion, gave special nicknames to the people she loved, and created memories that will be treasured forever.
Her grandchildren fondly remember being woken up for school each morning by her singing, “Rise and shine and give God your glory, glory,” a tradition that began each day with love and laughter. She lovingly called one grandson “her heart,” another “her star,” and never missed an opportunity to remind Ashley that she was her favorite granddaughter—a title Ashley proudly held as her only granddaughter.
Her beloved Shalimar perfume became part of who she was, so much so that family and friends instantly thought of her whenever they caught its familiar scent. She even named one of her cherished dogs Shalimar, a fitting tribute to something that became forever associated with her.
Above all else, Darline’s greatest gift was making people feel like they belonged. Family wasn’t limited to those she was related to—it was anyone fortunate enough to be loved by her. The love she poured into others became her greatest legacy and will continue to live on through the generations that follow.
In her final years, Darline faced the challenges of dementia with courage and grace. While the disease gradually changed many things, it could never diminish the love she shared with her family or the love they surrounded her with every day. Even as memories faded, those bonds remained strong, carrying her with dignity, comfort, and unwavering devotion until the very end.
Darline was preceded in death by her loving parents, Richard Calvin Lawrence and Mary Ann Edwards Lawrence; her beloved husband, Charles Joseph McCartney Jr.; her son, Richard Lee McCartney; her cherished grandson, Charles Joseph McCartney; and her nephew-in-law, James Edward Rehor.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted daughter, Jeannette Lynn McCartney Lohr; her beloved grandchildren, Michael Calvin McCartney (Cheyenne), Timothy Roger Lohr, Ashley Marie Lohr, and Christopher Gregory Lohr; her loving sisters, Billie Jean Clayton (Roy) and Mary Carol Grippo (Mark); her cherished nieces and nephews, Teresa Marie Rehor Short (Ronnie), Angela Darline Houston (Eric), Stephen Grippo, Gregory Grippo (Chelsea), Haley Davis, and Rachel Palmer (Wesley); her beloved great-nephews and great-nieces, Joseph Rehor (Rachel), Brian Rehor-Shaw (Andrea), Roy Allen Rehor, Daniel O’Bryan, and Justin O’Bryan; along with many cherished great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and countless others who became family through her love.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who offered prayers, kindness, support, and compassion throughout Darline’s journey. Every visit, every message, every donation, every hug, and every prayer brought comfort and will never be forgotten.
In keeping with Darline’s wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held.
As we say goodbye, we find peace in imagining Richard opening his arms and saying, “Welcome home, Little Girl.”
What’s your fondest memory of Darline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Darline?
Share a story where Darline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Darline you’ll never forget.
How did Darline make you smile?