Darnell T. Wilson

Darnell Turner was born on October 29, 1936 in Camp Hill, AL to the Late Albert and Effie Dee Turner. She graduated from Edward Bell High School in Camp Hill, AL. As a child, Darnell was a member of Murry Chapel, AME Church.

After high school, Darnell moved to Chattanooga, TN to live with her older sister Flora (deceased) and met the love of her life, James William Wilson. James married Darnell on August 18th, 1956. To this union, two lovely daughters were born: Chenita in 1960, followed by Christy in 1965. James and Darnell enjoyed 60+ years of marriage before James was called home.

Darnell cared for children in their home for many years and helped raise countless children aside from her daughters. Many loved ones today still tell stories of how she was able to keep children in line without ever speaking a word; one look from her was enough. She was a homemaker for James and their daughters, ensuring that they had hot home-cooked meals daily. She loved preparing meals for her family and friends. It brought her great joy to see everyone enjoy her delicious meals and everyone will miss her homemade ice cream. She was there to greet her daughters when they returned home from school each day until 1977, when she began working for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS.) She enjoyed working for IPS until her grandson “CJ” was born in Lakeland, FL. Desiring to be there for his birth, she joined the ranks of retirement after 19 years of faithful service. Darnell united with Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and later served as a deaconess at Trinity Church before uniting with Solid Word Bible Church where she attended as a Senior Saint until her health prevented. Darnell and James enjoyed retirement life traveling to visit family, attending weddings & graduations, and spending time in their winter home in Camp Hill, AL.

On July 14, 2019, Darnell was called home with her daughter Christy by her side and Chenita via FaceTime in Ohio. She lived a life of faith, service, and love. She was preceded in death by her Mother, Father, six of her siblings, and two great-grandchildren: Huston Turner, Flora Safford, Felton Turner, Evelyn Martin, Nelvis Turner, Leroy Turner, Keyshawn Brown, and Brayden Brown respectively. Darnell leaves to mourn her sassy spirit: devoted daughters, Chenita Brown of Mason, OH and Christy Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; four grandchildren: Daniel (Rachel) Brown of Loveland, Ohio, Rachel (Jaron) Mix of Columbus, OH, Curtis E. Johnson III “CJ” of Lexington, KY, and Cheyenne A. Johnson of Indianapolis, IN.; two great-grandchildren: Isaiah Brown and London Mix; one sister, Dorothy Rowe of Camp Hill, AL; beloved sister-in-law, Dorothy (Alvin) Winton of Florissant, MO; brother-in-law Clarence (Sue) Wilson of Williamsburg, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She also leaves to mourn her devoted family friends: Virginia Combs and Hilda Denton.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers who alongside her daughters provided excellent care to Darnell during her illness: Joel Brown, Tyra Watson and Kay Ellis.