Jean Sanders Darden

Jean was born on December 24, 1925 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She was raised in Kinston, NC by her loving mother and father Janie Kelly Sanders and Charlie Wright Sanders. Jean graduated from Grainger High School in Kinston and Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC. She married Elbert (Bert) Allen Darden on October 19, 1952. They were married for 50 years and raised five children together. Bert passed away in 2003.

Jean was a member of Grace Methodist Church for over 50 years and served in numerous volunteer roles throughout the Charlotte community. In 2009, she became a member of Calvary Church in Charlotte. She loved to travel, to read and most of all, spend time with her family and friends.

Jean is survived by her son Allen Darden, son Charlie Darden (wife Sheila), daughter Kelly Shirley (husband Tony) and son Andrew Darden (wife Kim) all from Charlotte and her son Fred Darden (wife Amy) from Yorktown, Virginia.

Jean loved her grandchildren: Katie Mills (Kenny), Taylor Darden (Eden), Caleb Darden (Rachel), Joseph Shirley (Bailee), Helen Darden, Daniel Shirley (Ana), Scott Darden (Morgan), James Darden (Madi), Chris Darden, Mitchell Darden (Alyssa), Ben Darden, Callie Darden, Julia Darden, and Phillip Darden. She also loved her great-grandchildren: Jackson, Lexi, Lincoln, Jessie, Josiah, Selah, Magnolia, Sean, and Jordyn.

To all her family and friends, she always reminded us to love each other and to love the Lord with all our hearts. Matthew 22:37-39

There will be a memorial service to celebrate her life on Saturday August 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Calvary Church 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials can be made to Loaves and Fishes 648 Griffith Rd. B, Charlotte, NC 28217 or Calvary Church 5801 Pineville-Matthews Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park.