Betty (Elizabeth) Everett Worrell Darden, 96, of the Statesville community of Newsoms, Virginia, passed away on October 10, 2026, at The Village at Woods Edge in Franklin, Virginia. Born in Franklin on January 28, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Alice Elizabeth Everett Worrell and Carlton Ashby “Sonny” Worrell.

A lifelong learner, Betty graduated from Newsoms High School, Louisburg College, East Carolina University, and Virginia State University. She devoted her professional life to business education, teaching at Newsoms High School, Franklin High School, and Paul D. Camp Community College. After retiring from Camp College, she continued serving her community through work with The Tidewater News and the Southampton County School System.

A faithful lifelong and active member of Barnes Methodist Church, Betty served in numerous leadership and ministry roles. She taught Sunday School, chaired the Administrative Board, sang in the choir, and was a certified Lay Speaker. She also served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Memorial Building Fund, Trustee, and Delegate to the Virginia State Conference. Betty authored three editions of Historical Record of Barnes United Methodist Church, preserving the story of the congregation she cherished. Her Everett ancestors helped establish the church in 1803.

Her dedication to education, history, and civic service extended well beyond the church. Betty was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, the Southampton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and the Southampton County Historical Society. She served as Chairperson of the Walter Cecil Rawls Library Board and sponsored both Phi Beta Lambda and Future Business Leaders of America. Her exceptional commitment was recognized nationally and statewide when she was named Phi Beta Lambda National Sponsor of the Year and FBLA Virginia State Advisor of the Year. She broke new ground in civic leadership as the first female member of the Newsoms Ruritan Club, later serving as its President and as Zone 2 Governor.

Betty loved ball games, chocolate, purple, and East Carolina University—simple joys that brought her happiness throughout her life. A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, and touches a heart. Betty touched the lives of thousands of students throughout her lifetime.

Betty is survived by her children: William (Bill) Thomas Darden, Jr., of Williamsburg; Elizabeth Gillette (Betty G.) Darden Corbin and her husband, Rox, of Clemmons, NC; Barbara Everett Darden Dominick and her husband, Kirk, of Orlando, FL; and Bobby Carlton Darden and his wife, Betsy, of New Bern, NC.

She was the proud grandmother of five: William James Corbin (Elizabeth) of Winston‑Salem, NC; Thomas Everett Dominick of Charleston, SC; Samuel Thomas Darden of Annapolis, MD; Caroline Mir Dominick of Raleigh, NC; and Hayes Elizabeth Darden of Knoxville, TN. She was also blessed with two great‑grandchildren, James Cooper Corbin and Parker Elizabeth Corbin, both of Winston‑Salem, NC.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, William Thomas Darden.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, October 12, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin, Virginia. A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery in Newsoms, Virginia, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Drew Dunn officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Barnes Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Paula Drake, 31147 Sands Road, Newsoms, VA 23874.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Asa’s Neighborhood and The Manor at The Village at Woods Edge for their care and concern for the past eight years.