Franklin – Jean Howell Darden, 92, passed away in her home on March 3, 2021 surrounded by her family.  Born in Franklin on April 12, 1928, she was a daughter of the late James Edward Howell, Sr. and Emily Vaughan Howell and was predeceased by a sister, Phyllis H. Mewborn, and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Darden.

Jean was a graduate of Franklin High School and attended Longwood College.  She was a lifelong member of Sycamore Baptist Church and was a children's teacher and served on many committees.  She was a former secretary at Franklin High School before she got married.

She was a farmer's wife delivering lunch and supper at harvest time and hauled a many a truck load of peanuts to Birdsong Peanuts.  She even helped haul cows.  Better known as the "Bread Lady", she is also famous for her delicious caramel cake and homemade bread.  She enjoyed cutting her grass at least twice a week and loved being outdoors around her dogs and hummingbirds and being around people.  Jean was a wonderful wife, mother, homemaker, farm helper, teacher at church, and an amazing cook.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of almost 74 years, Hunter Darden, Jr; a daughter, Sharon Darden Kasper; two sons, Hunter Darden, III and Richard E. "Ricky" Darden (Cindy); a brother J. Edward "Jimmy" Howell, Jr. (Marti); seven grandchildren, Daryl Edward Kasper, Kelle Jean Moore, Hunt Darden, IV (Christi), Jerimy and Casey Mulder, Missi Hatfield (Rickey), Kate Couch (Matt); and great grandchildren Ethan Dale Kasper, Riley Ann Kasper, Kara Tru Hatfield, Gage Hatfield, Evie Couch, James, Cody, Sidney, Makinleigh, and Christopher.

The family would like to thank Mrs. Darden's special caregiver, Elizabeth Del Vecchio, and the Sentara Hospice Team.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Tracey Pugh and Dr. Reginald Warren officiating.   There will be a private family burial.  A viewing will be held from 12 to 2PM Saturday prior to the service in the funeral home.  The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Sycamore Baptist Church, 31120 Sycamore Church Rd., Franklin, VA  23851 or a favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org