Deacon Willie Frank Darden, the son of the late Reverend Joseph and Annie Mae Bonner Darden, was born June 8, 1931 in Chambers County. He departed this life on Sunday, April 6, 2025 to his eternal rest at WellStar, Lagrange, GA.

Deacon Darden joined the Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. He loved God and serving God’s people. He was dedicated and devoted to the cause of Christ. He served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board until his health failed. He was awarded Chairman of the Deacons Emeritus. He also served as a member of the Trustee Board, Hebrew Boys Sunday School, Senior Choir, the male chorus, and the Pastor’s Aide. He was also a handyman around the church.

He was blessed with a voice to sing and helped form the Dixie Harmoneers in 1964. They sang far and near for many years.

Deacon Darden attended the Rosenwald School and Chambers County Training School. Deacon Darden worked at the Utilization Waste Mill for more than forty-two years. In his spare time, he applied his skills as a carpenter.

On July 1, 1962, he married Thelma Huguley. Together they enjoyed life with their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They remained married until she departed life on May 21, 2015.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, Lizzie Mae Sturgiss, Mattie Lee Darden, Susie Will Darden, and one great grandchild, Jaylen P. Johnson.

He leaves to cherish his memories: six sons, Willis Jerome Darden, Walter (Bertha) Huguley, Timothy Walker, Norman Darden, JeCorey Darden, and Jeffrey Walker, all of Lanett, Alabama; two daughters, Nikki Darden (James) of Lanett, Alabama, Deborah Stringer of Lanett, Alabama; two brothers, Deacon Josephus (Sally) Stringer of Decatur, Georgia, Deacon Jimmy Darden of Lafayette, Alabama; one sister, Carrie Darden of Lafayette, Alabama; grandchildren, Lasonia Johnson, Monec (Anthony) Johnson, Raquel Carr, Michael McCants, Laresha Thomas, Chasity (Dexter) Foreman, Corey Huguley, Alexia Huguley, Tim’Mario Walker, Esinah Walker, Tim’Vonta Walker, Timihsiyee Walker, Jaden Darden, LaShanda Jones, Brandi Jones, Nigel Tolbert, and Trenton Stringer; a bonus granddaughter, Ryan Briskey; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the entire Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Family.

Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, April 14, 2025 at 12:00 Noon (CST) from Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, LaFayette, AL, Rev. Michael Stiggers, Pastor/Eulogist and Rev. Dexter Foreman, Officiant.

Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Lanett, AL. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. (EST) at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

Funeral Services by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.