"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:12
Loretta Marie Darnell, 83, of Danville, Illinois, transitioned peacefully from this life, at home, Sunday, April 18, 2021. Born in Alton, Illinois on December 16, 1937, to Samuel Sr. and Hiawatha Jessie Jackson-Darnell. She was the rock and glue to her six brothers.
Loretta graduated from Danville's public school system. She loved cooking and worked in many food industries, where she made food services her career. She retired from Danville High School cafeteria after many years of dedicated service. She was called upon by many family members and friends to fix dishes for special events, or just because.
Loretta was a mighty woman of God and her lifestyle was a representation of the love she had for the Lord. She was a faithful and dedicated church member at Word of Life Love Ministry, where she was a Mother and Sunday School teacher.
She enjoyed being around her family and the company of her friends. If you asked her to pray for you, you can believe she did. She always said "I pray for everyone." If you needed a place to rest your head, she made a space for you. If you were hungry, she always had something to feed you. You needed a home remedy for a health issue, she provided that too.
Loretta leaves to cherish her memories, four sons, Domanic, Derric (Debra), Mark Darnell of Danville, Illinois, and Edmund (Anita) Darnell of Laurel, Maryland; one brother, John Darnell of Kansas City, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Ernestine Darnell of Danville; daughter-in-law, Vernal Darnell of Covington, Georgia; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; a truly dedicated niece Beverly Frison of Danville, Illinois, and a dear cousin, William Helon of Lawton, Oklahoma; as well as great friends, all of whom she truly appreciated.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three children, Charles "Greg" Darnell of Covington, GA; Marva Beasley and DiAnn Darnell, both of Danville; and five brothers, Willie Bernard, Andrew Leo, Samuel Jr., Joseph Edward and Clyde Darnell.
A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon on Monday April 26, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St., Danville. Officiating Apostle Charles Hargrove. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow after at Spring Hill Cemetery.
A public viewing will be held on Sunday April 25, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm.
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