Martha Ann Darnell

Martha was born on October 25, 1937, in Marietta, Georgia, to Albert F. Hallman, Sr. and Daisy Lucille McPherson Hallman of Cartersville, Georgia.

One of the happiest chapters of Martha's life began at Berea College in Kentucky, where she met James O. Darnell, the man who would become her husband and companion for many years. James was born on June 2, 1935, in Weber City, Virginia. Together, they made a good life, enjoying each other's company, traveling, and sharing time with family until James's passing on May 29, 2009.

Martha and James especially loved their trips to Edisto Island, South Carolina. Going there each October became a treasured tradition, something they looked forward to year after year. They also enjoyed traveling with James's brother Bill and his wife Linda Darnell. Those trips brought wonderful memories and stories that would be remembered long afterward.

Martha was not one who needed to be the center of attention. She was a quiet, private person with a generous heart, but she certainly had opinions of her own. She knew what she believed, and while she might not always say a great deal, she wasn't easily persuaded to change her mind. That combination of kindness, independence, and determination was simply part of who Martha was.

Although Martha and James never had children, they were surrounded by a large extended family. Family ties were important to Martha, and she had a special fondness for her nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, James O. Darnell; her parents, Albert F. Hallman, Sr. and Daisy Lucille McPherson Hallman; her brother, Albert F. Hallman, Jr., who died in 1993; her nephew, Albert F. Hallman III, who died in 1996; and her beloved aunts, Aline Jarrett and Wilma Gunter who held a particularly dear place in her heart.

She is remembered by her nephew, Hays Hallman; her niece, Amy E. Hallman; her sisters-in-law, Linda J. Darnell Goins and Linda W. Darnell; several Darnell nieces and nephews; and many cousins and extended family members.

Martha lived life in her own way. She didn't seek attention or recognition, but she had a quiet presence that those close to her knew well. She was generous, independent, and true to herself. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, especially the familiar places, traditions, and people who meant the most to her.

As her family remembers Martha, there will surely be smiles along with the sadness—memories of her kindness, her firm opinions, her love of family, and those happy October days she and James spent at Edisto Island.

Martha will be missed, but she will always have a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.