Darnell Small

Opal Darnell Small was born September 16, 1937 in Dublin, Texas to Pat and Ruby Soules. Darnell excelled at school and started working at the local drug store serving milk shakes at age 12. She worked at the drug store for 5 years. When she was 17, Carl Small, the love of her life, walked in and ordered a shake. Her life would never be the same.

Carl and Darnell were married on September 2, 1955 after dating only 3 months. It is said that behind every successful man is a good woman, and Darnell played the role of supportive wife well. Carl was an entrepreneur, and Darnell was his biggest supporter, cheerleader, bookkeeper, wife, and secretary. She believed in him when no one else did, and her constant encouragement and belief in him paid off when they started Small Fishing, and Rental Inc., an oil field service company.

Darnell was a multifaceted leader. She raised 3 children, ran the bookkeeping for the company, and managed to maintain a marriage that was an example to her friends and family. A typical day was cooking three meals, getting the kids to school, keeping the books for the company, involvement in scouts and various sporting activities, and being a wonderful wife to Carl.

In 1993, after 38 years of an amazing marriage, Darnell lost Carl to cancer. This event shocked the family and started a new and very different life for her. Darnell had always been a woman of faith, but losing Carl led her into a depth of faith that she had previously not known. During these years, she poured herself into her children and grandchildren’s lives. She built a new friend group and traveled the world with them. She always had time to listen to others, share her heart with them, give them good advice, and build lasting memories with her family and friends.

In her later years, Darnell settled into her role as guide and counselor. She spent lots of time in the Word and prayer with God. Her faith went to a new depth, and she walked closely with her Lord. As a gift of grace, God called her home on June 21, 2024. She will be deeply missed by her family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Carl Small, brother Virgil Soules, sister-in-law Vallaree Soules Cherry and her husband Charlie Cherry, nephew Douglas Small, niece Amy Soules Moch, nephew Johnny Soules and great grandson Gavin Holmes
Darnell will forever be remembered by her daughter Karla Wester Ellis and husband Daniel, son Brad Small and wife Allison, son Chad Squirrel Small and wife Nichole. Grandchildren Kayce Sellers and husband Roy, Ryan Wester and Lisa Joiner, Shea Daane and husband Bradley, Rachel Sifuentes, Sarai Smith and husband Scott, Chris Small and wife Brigid, Justyce Small, O’Shyn Small, Adigail Small and Collen Small. Great grandchildren Ace, Kaiden, Alyvia, Mary Allison, Declan, Porter, Truly and Hayzel. Brother Jay Soules and wife Glenda, brother-in-law Charles Small and wife Sharon, nephew Bobby Soules and wife Judy, niece Weegee Soules, niece Patricia Veilleux and husband Mike, nephew Jason Soules and wife Christa, niece Dana Small and nephew David Small.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel in Big Spring. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5pm-7pm, Friday, June 28, 2024 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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