Darren Drake Hathorn
60, Columbia
A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, in Woodlawn Cemetery to celebrate the life of Darren Drake Hathorn, 60, of Columbia who passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 28, after a courageous battle with cancer. Rev. Reed Houston officiated at the services.
She was born in Columbus, Ohio, in Sept. 1960. After moving to Columbia at a young age, she graduated from Columbia High School in 1978, where she was selected by her peers as Sophomore Class Maid and Homecoming Queen. She subsequently graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Spanish. During college, she had the unique opportunity to attend the University of Mexico in Mexico City. Upon graduation, she worked for several years as a teacher in New Orleans before marrying her husband, Steve, and returning to Columbia.
Upon her return to Columbia, she worked for several years with her life-long friends at Flowers Unlimited and later at Shannon’s Classy Cuts. Thereafter, she dedicated her time to her family and volunteering for causes near to her heart, including First United Methodist Church, Main Street Columbia, and the American Heart Association. She was also a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary of Columbia and a long-time member of The Town Club. Later in life, she enjoyed caring for and spending time with her family and, in more recent years, enjoying time in Bay St. Louis.
Those who knew her admired her natural talent for décor and design. She had an incredible vision and ability to transform a blank canvas into a welcoming and inviting space. She was incredibly caring and considerate of both her family and friends, always remembering to celebrate others’ birthdays and special occasions. She was also an animated storyteller and was known to spend her time regaling others with happy memories of her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Kirk J. Drake.
Survivors include her husband, Steve Hathorn of Columbia; mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Spielman Drake of Biloxi; daughter, Phoebe Hathorn of New Orleans; brother, Kirk J. Drake Jr. (Theresa) of Biloxi; several nieces and nephews; and many beloved friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.
Her family would like to share their thanks and appreciation with all those that supported her and her family during the last several years, including the physicians and staff at The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans. The family extends a special thanks to Pegi Johnson, Eila Wells, and Denise Blount for their love and support, for which the family will always be especially grateful.
Pallbearers were Doug McElroy, Victor Calvaruso, Paul Hidalgo, Newton “Tudor” Blount, Alan Greenacre and Drew Weiskopf. Honorary pallbearer was John Wooten.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Columbia, Mississippi or the American Cancer Society.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of the arrangements.
