She was born on May 18, 1926 in Lumberton, N.C., the daughter of the late Viola Shifflet Stickel and Ulysses Grant Stickel.
She attended grade school in Isabella, Pa. where she met a classmate, John A. (Jack) Darby, who was to become her husband. Her family moved to Richmond, Va., where she graduated from John Marshall High School and then attended business school. She was employed by Southern States Co-Op and also A&P Food Company in Richmond where she worked in the statistical department of the main office. By coincidence she met her former classmate, Jack Darby, who was stationed at Camp Perry while serving in the Navy. They became engaged and were married by the Reverend William Barkley of the Fairmont Baptist Church on February 9, 1945.
Upon her husband’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Pennsylvania and resided in the Clarksville area for over 50 years. When her health permitted, she enjoyed crocheting, reading and working in her yard. She also baked and sold decorated cakes.
Mary retired from the Jefferson-Morgan School District after 20 years as a cashier in the food service department. She was a member of PSEA and SEIU Local 3. She was actively involved as a former member of the PTA and in raising money for various charitable organizations.
Mary was a 25 year member of the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, where she held every office and was president until it disbanded. She was also a long time member of Filer-Sadlek Post 954 American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as chaplain.
She was a member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Waynesburg for over 30 years, where she served as chairperson for the Hospitality Committee and United Thank Offering. She also served on the Vestry as Junior Warden for several terms.
With her bright blue eyes and sweet smile, Mary’s warm personality and quick wit added to her charm. Her friends and family regarded her as a compassionate soul and a true confidant. She was also a true Pittsburgh sports fan and never missed an opportunity to watch her Steelers and Penguins.
Deceased is her husband of 50 years, John A. Darby Jr., an infant son Shaun Grant Darby, a brother Ulysses Grant Stickel (Laura) of Richmond, VA., a sister Margaret Parham (Bill) of Powhatan, VA., a sister-in-law Priscilla Shaw (Kermit) of Richmond, VA., a sister-in-law Donna Darby of Berea, OH, and a son-in-law Thomas Boyer of Washington, PA.
Surviving are three children, John A. Darby (Lauretta) of Canonsburg, Kathie Boyer of Washington, and Tami Norton (Kevin) of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Shauna Piedrahita (Ron), John M. Darby (Martine), Jennifer Tullio (Aaron), Michael and Maeve Norton; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Emma Darby, Luca and Casey Tullio, and Julie Piedrahita; brother-in-law Gene Darby of Berea, OH, and sister-in-law Blanche Darby of Brownsville, PA. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
