Darden, Deacon James, a resident of Valley, AL, died Friday, January 22, 2021 at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL.

Graveside Services are scheduled for Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. (EST) at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery, 3405 Country Club Road, Lanett, AL with Pastor David L. Core, Sr. as Officiant and Pastor Corey Huguley as Eulogist. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing.

Public Viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Davis Memorial Mortuary Chapel.

Deacon James Darden was born on September 29, 1944, in Chambers County, Alabama, to the late John Darden, Sr. and Mary Lizzie Carter Darden. Deacon Darden transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, January 22, 2021 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama.

Deacon James Darden joined Community Missionary Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama at an early age. Deacon Darden was committed to his call of duty as a Deacon for many years. He was known for joyfully leading devotion and singing hymns. His favorite hymn was “A Charge to Keep I Have”. Deacon Darden also loved and faithfully attended Sunday School, and loved the youth of his church. Deacon Darden was honorably known to lead devotion in many churches in the area.

Deacon James Darden worked his early years as a Janitor at Valley High School in Valley, AL. He worked for many years for West Point Pepperrell at the Fairfax Mill facility until his retirement. He was educated at Rehobeth High School in Fairfax (now Valley), Alabama.

Deacon James Darden leaves to cherish his memories: five daughters, Loretta (Alfred) Cox of LaGrange, GA, Belinda St. George of Valley, AL, Minister Priscilla (Dennis) Howard of Opelika, AL; Elder Pamela (Rodney) Joiner of Lanett, AL and Pastor Katina (Pastor Reginal) Dunn of Valley, AL; one stepson, Minister Keith (Gloria) Tucker of Summerville, SC; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Pastor Napoleon (Pearlie) Darden and Deacon Fred (Alice) Darden both of Valley, AL; two sisters, Annie Edwards of Lanett, AL and Martha Ann Hervey of LaGrange, GA; sister-in-law, Francis Burton of Dothan, AL; special friend and finance’, Beatrice Rowe of Dadeville, AL; best friend, John Lowe, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services by Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley.