John William Darden, was born on Tuesday, June, 9th 1931, in Northampton County, North Carolina to the late William Henry Darden and Antionette Garner Darden.

‘Buddy’, as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, confessed faith in Christ, at an early age and joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful member until his health began to fail. He was educated in the Northampton County Public School System. After which, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country from September 7th, 1951 to September 7th, 1953, before being Honorably Discharged. As life progressed, John relocated to New York, where he became employed with Con Edison Electric Company, from which he retired.

Early in life, ‘Buddy’ found love when he met and married Gladys Dozine Crossen. This union was blessed with the birth of four handsome sons. He was a loving father to his children and caring grandfather to his grandchildren.

“Buddy” was an outgoing person who never let any grass grow under his feet. He was quick witted, funny and never met a stranger. He always carried a joke or two to make you laugh!

Peacefully, his life’s journey ended on Tuesday, November 14th, 2023; while in the serenity of his son’s home, surrounded by family, who will very much miss his presence. In addition to his parents, William & Antionette Darden, he was predeceased by: his wife, Gladys Dozine Darden; his sisters, Janet Marie Hayes and Erdie Jordan and one brother, Jessie Lee Darden.

‘Buddy’ leaves to cherish and embrace his memory: four devoted sons, Gilbert Darden (Mable) of Garysburg, North Carolina, Ricky Darden (Vonda) of Gaston, North Carolina, Michael Darden and Melvin Darden both of Greensboro, North Carolina; six loving grandchildren, Rekel Darden and Elarnta Darden both of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Darrin Darden and LaTanya Darden both of Garysburg, North Carolina, Ebony Gordon of Greensboro, North Carolina and Tamyka Darden Shell (Damien) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; one great granddaughter, Merci Gordon of Greensboro, North Carolina; three sisters, Lennie Daniels of Newport News, Virginia, Beulah Day of Neptune, New Jersey and Louise Powell of Richmond, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Douglas Earl Crossen; two sisters-in-law, Winnie Crossen Davis and Carolyn Crossen all of Garysburg, North Carolina; a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.