Daisy Juanita Darden

The sun rose in the lives of Booker and Lizzie Mae Cooley of Adams, Tennessee when their fourth daughter, Daisy Juanita Cooley was born on September 24, 1931. Juanita grew up in Adams and completed her elementary education there. She graduated from Bransford High School in 1949.

In 1950, she wed Mr. Gulliver D. Darden. Three beloved daughters were born to this union. Joyce Elaine (who preceded her in death) and Carolyn Fay and Marilyn Kay.

She professed her hope in Christ and was added to the Little Star Baptist Church of Adams, Tennessee. Upon relocation to Indianapolis, Indiana, she united with the St. John's Baptist Church in 1951, and remained as a dedicated Christian worker in the children's department of the Sunday School. She was an employee of the U.S. Government for 37 years retiring in 1988.

She was also a member of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority. A staunch supporter for causes, she was regular donator to the Lighthouse Mission and to the Special Olympics. She was the office manager of the church from October 1990 to August 2012 in a voluntary status. She believed that whatever talent God had richly blessed her with should be used for His glory without cost.

Her life's motto: I shall not pass this way again. Any good I can do or any kindness that I can show, let me not defer or neglect it. For I shall not pass this way again. Her parents and four sisters preceded her in death. The sun set on her life on December 13, 2107.

Juanita leaves to cherish her memory: 2 daughters; Mrs. Carolyn Darden Ellison (Jimmie Sr.,) and Mrs. Marilyn Darden Rhodes, 5 grandchildren; Jimmie Ellison Jr.,(Shartisha), Taliah Ellison, Endia Ellison, Dionne Rhodes Banks (Marcus), Marvin Rhodes Jr.,(Jordan) and one adopted grandchild, Stephanie Monroe, 7 great-grandchildren; Khalil, Kenyon, Carnell, Leslee, Elijah, Malachi, Major and a host of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.