Newsoms – John Ashley Darden, Sr., 98, went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 19, 2024 in East Pavilion.  Born and raised in Nansemond County, he was a son of the late Harvey James Darden, Sr. and Willie Mae Parker Darden.  He was also predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Mary Jane Edwards Darden; two daughters, Nancy Rose Darden and Carolyn Jane Darden; a sister, Virgie Darden Beale; and three brothers, Harvey James Darden, Jr. and his wife Hazel, William Thomas Darden, and Parker Everett Darden and his wife Marcella.

Ashley was a graduate of Holland High School and was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army serving during WWII from 1944-1946.  After finishing his deployment he came back to Newsoms to start his farming career.  He was a lifelong farmer and raising livestock was his passion.  Right up to the end he would get excited looking at pictures of his grandsons' crops and asking about the cows.  After retiring from farming, he started Darden & Son Farm Supplies, Inc. where he made many friends and good customers.  He came up with his own variety of peanut, the AD1 and had a plant protection patent on it.

Ashley was a member of the Southampton County Historical Association, the American Legion, and Barnes Methodist Church.

Left to cherish his memory is his son, John A. "Jay" Darden, Jr. and his wife Susan; two grandchildren, Michael Brian Darden (Julie) and Wesley Adam Darden (Brandy); two great grandchildren, Briley Abigail Darden and Michael Cameron Darden; and one step great granddaughter, Savannah Futrell.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at 2PM Thursday, August 22, 2024 in Hollywood Cemetery with Rev. Tom Wallace and Pastor Drew Dunn officiating.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Wednesday in Wright Funeral Home and suggests that memorial donations be made to Barnes Methodist Church, c/o Cheryl Turner, 33080 Cypress Swamp Rd., Newsoms, VA 23874.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org