Michael Darnell 'Mike' Darden

Your life was a blessing, Your memory a treasure You’re loved beyond words And missed beyond measure...

     Life was bestowed upon a loving father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend on March 19, 1961 in Southampton County, Virginia to the late Hollie and Mary Darden. Mike, as he was affectionately called, was a lifetime resident of Branchville, Virginia and received his formal education in the Southampton County Public Schools.

     Being reared in the Darden residence, Michael accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of Rising Star Baptist Church in Branchville, Virginia. It was there that his love for God was deepened and spiritual gifts nurtured.

     As life progressed, Micheal met and married Bernita Darden and through this union he discovered true love. Prior to his health declining, he exemplified strong work ethics and became gainfully employed with Atlantic Woods Industries in Newsoms, Virginia - where he was a loader and forklift operator. He loved his job and was a faithful and hardworking employee.

     One of Michael’s most endearing traits was that he was a fun and loving person. He truly cherished his family and friends. His commitment to family extended to his siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends alike. He willingly shared what he had, be it words of advice, jokes, visits or food. Michael always had a joke or funny story to tell. His jovial spirit was accompanied by the ability to cook - which was one of his favorite pastimes. His tasty dishes tempted the palates of many - he loved to cook.

     Mike’s love for his family was unconditional and will be missed by all. Because of his outpouring kindness and service to his family and friends - God gave him favor...a family that loved and supported him...friends who cherished him and were ever present during his life.

     Mike’s family was near and dear to his heart, but so were the Dallas Cowboys. You could catch him, watching the games during football seasons. Mike was also an outdoorsman, who truly enjoyed fishing and before his health declined, hanging out with ‘the boys’.

     Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me.I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play. Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of the day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My Life’s been full, I savoured much, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. On Wednesday, September 2, 2020 our beloved Michael Darnell Darden departed this earthly life surrounded by family and a few close friends while in the serenity of his home. He answered God’s solemn call to sweet eternal rest. He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death: his parents, Hollie and Mary Anna Drew Darden Bryant ; brothers, Eugene, Herman, Sam, Hollie Jr. and Howard; sisters, Adelle and Ruby; his one and only biological daughter, Amesha Person Stephenson.

     A million times we’ve needed you, a million times we’ve cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place, that no one could ever fill. Those left to cherish his memories are his: wife, Bernita W. Darden; daughters, Jamica Worrell-Isaac (Shawn) of Virginia Beach, VA and Tonika Johnson (Kendall Sr.) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Niya, Kendall Jr, Kyren, Shad, Kennadi, Shamir and Amorie Stephenson - the sunshine of his life; great-granddaughter, Kari Tisdale (GG); siblings, Ernestine Henderson of Brooklyn, NY, Joan Whitehead of Branchville, VA (who was like a 2nd mother to Michael), Azalia Darden of Brooklyn, NY, Lonnie Darden (Martha) of Jamaica, NY and Eddie Frank Darden of Branchville, VA; brothers-in-law, Larry Worrell of Boykins, VA and Clinton (Boot) Worrell of Greensboro, NC; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Walker (Charlie) of Branchville, VA, Vanessa Person (Melvin) of Pendleton, NC and Larnestine Vick of Branchville, VA; special nieces, Zita Whitehead and Kia Branche both of Hopewell, VA and special nephew, Darius Richardson of Chesapeake, VA; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit Mr. Darden's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Mr. Michael  Darnell 'Mike' Darden.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

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