Artie Ellis Darby, Sr. was born on February 11, 1931 in Union, South Carolina to the late Mrs. Pearl and Mr. Jim Darby. He was the oldest of this union. Two brothers Willie, and Jimmie and a half-sister, Cattie Mae preceded him in death. He learned about grace and grew in Christ daily.
Determined to help provide for the family, he worked as a sharecropper until moving to Detroit, MI in 1950. Later, he married Lilla Mae Copeland and of this union three girls and one boy was born. Lilla Mae Darby has preceded him in death. Morning View Baptist Church was his church home until later when he joined Victory Tabernacle Outreach Ministries and served faithfully as a Deacon. Artie possessed exceptional visual learning, execution, and leadership skills and worked as a tanner for a short period of time. He then was hired into Detroit Edison where he worked for 40 years in various occupations. Ultimately, as a Local 227 Union Member, he became Foreman and Crew Leader for the Rigger Crews. During his early years with Detroit Edison, Artie was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War. Artie was in the 5th Calvary Regiment. While in the Army, boxing was his favorite sport and he won his matches.
Artie was a natural Soul Food Chef. He cooked Fried Chicken, Fish, Fried Corn, Smothered Pork Chops, Bar B Que all meats, Chitterlings, Okra, Chicken and Dumplings, Black-Eyed Peas, and Corn Bread. He loved to drive, fish, travel, watch movies, listen to music and was a fierce competitor in Checkers, Card Games, Bingo, and Scramble.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his daughters: Sharon Floyd, Cloretta Darby and son, Artie Darby, Jr.; son-in-law: Lester Floyd, Jr.; grandchildren: Christina, Davina, Donna, Shatera, Anthony, and Angelice; Great-grandchildren: Iyana, Madison, David, D’Marcus, Camille, Alaya, Amir, and Aminah; sister-in-law: Alma Lee Darby; Niece: Carol Jean Darby; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
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