Aelisa Ann Mckisson Darling went to her heavenly home on Saturday, September 28, 2024. She was born October 12, 1951, in Blytheville to Orval and Betty Markin McKisson. Aelisa was a 1969 Graduate of Jonesboro High School and earned an Associate Degree in Education in 1980 from Mississippi County Community College (Northeast Community College today).
She married her childhood sweetheart, Rex Darling in August 1969. They have three children Lori Christine Gordon (Garrett) of Leavenworth, KS; Brian Alan Darling (Susan) of Centerton; and Holly Ann Nicholson (Jason) of Jonesboro. She has twelve grandchildren; Aelisa McEvilly of Tacoma, WA., Ronny Alan Swift, deceased, Tyler Alben (Ashley) of Phoenix, AZ, Morgan Darling (Murle) of Little Rock, Sydney Darling of Little Rock, Kacey Darling of Little Rock, Bailey Walker (Justin) of Jonesboro. Jacob Gordon (Lexi) of Camp Pendleton, CA, Noah Nicholson (Elizabeth) of Jeffersonville, IN, Luke Nicholson of Jeffersonville, IN Lydia Nicholson, of Jeffersonville, IN and Corbin Darling, of Centerton, she was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Charlotte McEvilly of Tacoma, WA, Valeria Swift and Reyna Swift of Mesa, AZ. Lily Alben of Phoenix, AZ, and Kai Walker of Jonesboro.
As the wife of a United Methodist minister and a Navy Chaplain, Aelisa was always busy supporting her Christian Family. While serving a small Parrish in Southern Indiana, she decided the shut-ins needed more visitation. With no car and three young children during school hours, with her two-year-old in tow, she began visiting our shut-ins. Soon she started receiving requests from our members who had friends who weren’t Methodist but would love a visit and always added “Be sure to bring Holly” (Holly never knew a stranger and still doesn’t). When serving with the Navy, she began a tradition of inviting young sailors and marines at Thanksgiving and Christmas to join us. One Christmas serving with the 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan we had invited six marines to come for dinner which meant we bought a large turkey. She found the small oven in our Okinawa home would not hold a twenty-five lbs. turkey. Quickly she began cutting up that huge bird and when completely cut it would just fit. We had a wonderful dinner. Our first Church following the Navy was in Russellville, Aelisa taught a mature ladies’ Sunday School Class (three members were in their 90’s). Concerned about friends in the local nursing homes, her class began visiting. Aelisa found a florist that would donate some usable flowers and with vases purchased in bulk from flea markets, they were soon making flower arrangements for all residents of three homes. Then someone suggested residents might like stuffed animals. Residents also received ball caps and more loving visits than they ever would have.
Aelisa’s greatest joy has always been God the Father and His call to love everyone. She loved none more than her husband, children, grand, and great grands. At times she was Mom and Dad for as long as six months since Navy deployments came frequently. She struggled as everyone did, but never gave up. Her loving presence is terribly missed.
Aelisa was preceded in death by her parents Orval & Betty McKisson, and grandson Ronny Alan Swift.
She is survived by husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one sister Regina McKisson, and one brother Bill McKisson both of Jonesboro.
A memorial service for Aelisa will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 2 P.M. at the Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Miles II officiating. Burial will be Private.
A Visitation will be from 1-2 P.M. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the funeral home.