June 10, 2011

Walter Lee Darden Sr., 95, of Suffolk, Va., died Friday, June 10, 2011, at Coliseum Park Nursing Home after a prolonged illness. He was a native of Nansemond County and the son of the late Edd and Florence Willie Darden.

He attended Nansemond Training Institute and after completing his years of service in the U.S. Navy, he worked as a civilian employee at the U.S. Naval Air Station in Norfolk until he retired. He was a faithful member of Grove Baptist Church in Portsmouth, where he was affectionately known as “Father Abraham.”

He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters, Geraldine C. Darden, of Piscataway, N.J., Yvonne C. Vann (Alvin), and Marie D. Darden, both of Suffolk; three sons, Walter L. Darden Jr. (Christine), of Hampton, Va., William Macy Darden (Novella), of Charlotte, N.C., and Shavior L. Darden (Wanda), of Suffolk; five stepchildren, 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A homegoing service will be held on Thursday, June 16, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Grove Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Melvin O. Marriner, senior pastor. Interment will be in Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. The family will assemble at the residence at 10 a.m. for the procession to the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made to the building fund of Grove Baptist Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, P.O. Box 6219, Portsmouth, VA 23703. Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.