Barbara Darden

Barbara Pittman Darden, 87, of Morehead City, formerly of Eureka and Wilson, went home to heaven on Sunday, January 23, 2022.

The family will be available during a drive-by visitation at the Eureka Cemetery, 146 E Main St, Eureka, from 10:30-11:00 AM, on Thursday, January 27.  A graveside celebration of Barbara's life will begin at 11:00 AM following the time of visitation.  Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.

Born in Goldsboro, Barbara was the daughter of Robert William and Martha Price Pittman. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Richard Arlen Darden Sr., her son, Richard Arlen Darden Jr. and her sister, Peggy Gore.

Barbara graduated from Goldsboro High School.  She embarked on a career in business taking her first position at Kemp Furniture Company in Goldsboro as administrative assistant to president William "Bill" Kemp Sr. During her tenure at Kemp, she also worked with Bill in Raleigh after he was elected to the NC legislature. She later served as financial aid director for Mount Olive College where she developed many relationships with faculty, peers and students. Her first attempt at retirement was short lived as she missed being in the working world. After a short hiatus, she accepted an administrative assistant position with Nationwide Insurance in Wilson, working with district manager Joe Musgrave. In 1990, she finally retired to enjoy her home on the Rocky Mount Reservoir and begin a new role as a grandmother, affectionately known as Babs!

Barbara was a person of faith and was committed to service in her church and community. She served Yelverton United Methodist Church in Wayne County and First United Methodist Church in Wilson. She was active in PTA, American Business Women's Association, American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Wilson Woman's Club and the Wilson Chorale. She was a leading force in the Wayne County Bicentennial celebration in 1976. Barbara was very knowledgeable about flowers and plants and loved working in her yard. She also loved sports and attended many games, meets, recitals and events for her children and grandchildren.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Dee Darden Warrick and son-in-law, Tommy, of Emerald Isle and daughter-in-law, Angela Kissinger Darden of Goldsboro; grandchildren, Garret Warrick, Mallory Warrick, Hannah Darden Millard (Trey) and Kaylin Darden; and one great-grandchild, Gavin Darden Millard; sister, Mary Jo McMillian (Gary) and several nieces, one nephew, cousins and dear friends.

The family would like to express gratitude to all those who faithfully called and wrote to Barbara during these last few years. We also extend a very special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Carteret Landing in Morehead City and to the 3HC hospice team members for the patience, compassion and care showered upon Mom during her season of struggle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, PO Box, 1423, Wilson, NC 27894, 3HC Hospice, 2402 Wayne Memorial Dr., Goldsboro, NC 27534 or the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, 2101 Sardis Rd N Ste 102 A, Charlotte, NC 28227.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Barbara

We are deeply sorry for your loss - the staff at Wilson Memorial Service

Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree