November 4, 2026, 71, – Darlene Joyce Barbato-Henry, 71, went home to eternal life in Heaven on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with cancer, which she met with remarkable strength and determination.
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 25, 1955, Darlene spent most of her life in Liverpool, New York, before moving eight years ago to Goldsboro, North Carolina. Darlene was the daughter of Shirley Ellithorpe and the late Richard Barbato.
For over 20 years, Darlene worked as a hairstylist at the Euforium Hair Salon in New York. She adored working alongside “her girls,” and her clients quickly became an extension of her own family. She had a vibrant love for life, and a bright inner light shone through in every interaction. When Darlene entered a room, the atmosphere instantly shifted—you just knew she was there.
She possessed a rare gift for making everyone feel loved, welcomed, and included. While living in New York, she was an active member of North Central Church in Liverpool, where she served in the hospitality ministry, comforting those facing hard times and ensuring everyone felt a sense of belonging. Upon moving to Goldsboro, she joined Church Alive, where she quickly plugged into the women’s ministry, continuing to share her trademark spirit of love, hospitality, and encouragement.
When she wasn’t nurturing relationships, Darlene embraced life’s simple joys. She loved the freedom of riding on the back of the Harley with Chuck, pausing to take in a quiet sunset, cooking, gardening, or cheering on the New York Yankees. Her family often joked that there wasn’t a store she didn’t love to explore. She had a wonderful eye for fashion and could put together an outfit that sparkled from across the room.
She spent her final moments peacefully at home, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly. A woman of profound faith, Darlene loved the Lord and found great comfort in her final days as her family read to her from the Bible and shared daily devotions from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
Above all, the love she gave so generously and the lives she touched will endure through all who were blessed to know her.
Darlene was preceded in death by her father, Richard Barbato; her stepfather, Donald Ellithorpe; her stepmother, Krystal Barbato; her brother, Daniel Ellithorpe; her sister, Gina Barbato; and her brother-in-law, Richard Henry.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving and devoted husband, Charles “Chuck” Edward Henry; her mother, Shirley Ellithorpe; her children, Amy Scullion (Peter), Kristopher Dryer (Shelby), Molly Lilienthal, Melissa Pandori, Cassandra Gregg,
and Nathan Henry; her grandchildren, Shawn Dryer (Courtney), Brian Lilienthal, Taylor Lilienthal, Alexis Dryer, Cameron Dryer, Dominic Peeso, Madeline Pandori, Judah Pandori, and Lily Henry; her great-grandchildren, Skye Dryer, Forrest Cobb, and Olivia Dryer; her brothers, Richard Barbato (Terry), Michael Barbato (Tammy Wiggins), and Scott Barbato (Donna); her sisters, Anna Barbato and Deborah VanDusen; her brothers-and sisters-in-law, Mary Henry, Joanne Henry, Joseph Henry, and Jeanne Palmer (John); her beloved best friend, Laurie Spagnola; along with several dearly loved aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
A service to celebrate Darlene’s life will be held at Church Alive 470 Hinnant Rd, Pikeville, NC on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at 4PM with Pastor Danny Rollins and Pastor Rick Barbato officiating
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of Cardinal Hospice—especially her devoted nurse, Sheree—for the compassionate, kind, and loving care provided to Darlene and her family throughout this journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Darlene’s memory to Cardinal Hospice.
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