Suffolk- Jethro Lee Darden, 73, passed away May 14, 2016. He was a son of the late John Moses Darden and Sallie Dilday Darden and was also predeceased by a brother, John Robert Darden..

He was retired from International Paper (Sheet Finishing Department) after 40 years of service. Jethro was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist Church and a honorary member of the Community Hunt Club.

Survivors include his wife of 31years, Lucy Darden, two sons, Everett A. Darden (Laura) of Isle of Wight and David Goff of Richmond, a stepdaughter, Billie Jean, two stepsons, Bernard and Dennis, three sisters, Alice Jean May (Adrian) of Scotland Neck, NC, Faye Griffin (John) of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Jeanette Bussell (Dave) of Jarratt, thirteen grandchildren including, Devin Peavy who was raised by his grandparents and his beloved dog Buck.

A funeral will be conducted at 2PM Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin with the Rev. Matthew Johnson and Rev. Tim Rawls officiating. Burial will follow in Beaver Dam Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 to 8PM at the funeral home and suggests memorial donations be made to a favorite charity. www.wrightfuneralhome.org