White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Darlene Pearl (Hall) Payton, 71 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died due to complications from cancer, Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Buchanan County Health Center, Independence.

Private family time will take place at White Funeral Home, Independence, with a celebration of life gathering to be held at a later date.

Darlene was born November 10, 1954, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Bernard Charles and Hazel Irene (Axtell) Hall. Her younger years were in Raymond and Jesup, Iowa, where her father farmed. She then moved to Independence with her family. Darlene attended school in Independence and soon after began to travel. She was a free spirit that enjoyed being on the move. She spent time in California, Texas, and Minnesota, before moving back to Independence, to be closer to family.

Darlene liked to crochet, read, and she loved her cartoons!

Darlene is survived by her four children, Francise Elaine (Crawford Joffre) Williamson of Everett, Washington, John (Amy) Williamson of Independence, Michael (Krystal) Abrams of Highlandville, Missouri, Kristy Hall of Independence; five grandchildren, Sierra, Briana, Monica, Brenda, and Taylor; one sister, Glenda (Marvin) Clark of Vinton, Iowa; four brothers, David Hall of Independence, William (Marge) Hall of Littleton, Robert Hall of Independence, and Roger Hall of Oelwein, Iowa.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers in infancy; and three sisters–in–law, Sherry Hall, Ruth Hall, and Kayla Hall.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.