July 9, 1932 – December 29, 2025
Darlene Joyce Thompson, 93, Carmel, originally from Lincoln, Ill., passed away on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Carmel Health & Living in Carmel with her son, Dave, and granddaughter, Halie, at her side. As a believer in Jesus Christ, she left us saying she was ready to go when Jesus would call her home and was blessed with a peacefully passing when he called.
Darlene was born on July 9, 1932, to Monty and Mabel Clayborn in Springfield, Ill. At the age of 3 she lost her mother to cancer, and along with her brother, Monty, and sister, Norma, was raised in the Lincoln Orphan home until the age of 18 when she graduated from Lincoln Community High School. She also had a younger brother, Frank, who was raised by her Grandma and Grandpa Scott of Springfield, Ill., because he was too young to be placed in the care of the Lincoln Orphan home. Darlene married the love of her life, Paul Thompson, after high school. After being alongside Paul during his four years in the Air Force that took them many places, they returned to Lincoln, where Paul would later become the owner of Central Plumbing and Heating in Lincoln and Darlene would bring them their one and only son, Dave. In 1973, Darlene lost Paul unexpectedly. Darlene went on to marry Larry Anderson of Lincoln and spent many years with him prior to his passing.
Darlene spent many years supporting Paul in his plumbing business and raising their son, Dave. However, what became her most precious joy in life was her four granddaughters, Kylie, Halie, Courtney, and Maggie, by whom she was known lovingly as Granny. She wore the badge of Granny honorably and always would be a very important part of their lives right up to her passing. She instilled in them that even though there can be hard times and even sad times, there will always be a new day tomorrow, and if you have love in your heart you will get to that new day.
Darlene is survived by her son, Dave (Linda) Thompson; and four granddaughters.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Monty Claybourn, Norma Jean Chasco, and Franklin D. Claybourn, daughter-in-law Lisa (mother of grandchildren).
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary, 12010 Allisonville Road, Fishers. Burial will be at Zion Cemetery in Lincoln, Ill., on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at noon (CST) with a brief graveside service.
Condolences: randallroberts.com