Betty Grissom Darnell
Betty Grissom Darnell, age 85, passed away peacefully Nov. 10 at her home.
A longtime resident of Montgomery County, she was born April 8, 1931, in Russellville, to James Hobart Grissom and Gladys Miller Grissom. She is survived by her husband, Ray Darnell, and their two children: Kay Darnell Drew and husband Tom of Clarksville, Tenn./Ft. Rucker, and Lynn Darnell Taylor and husband Sid of Nashville, Tenn. Betty is also survived by three grandchildren: Kaley Drew McCarthy and husband Keith of Clarksville, Tenn., Kate Taylor of Nashville, Tenn., and Sy Taylor of Nashville, Tenn. She leaves behind one great grandchild: Kathyrn Drew McCarthy.
Betty was a 1946 graduate of Russellville High School and attended Judson College in Marion. Sept. 10, 1955, she married Ray Darnell. They built their home on their farm, where they shared their love of family and friends. Affectionately called Mom-ma by her family, Betty was a gifted landscape gardener and extraordinary cook. Her many interests included floral arranging, sports, traveling with friends and decorating. She shared her talents in support of many organizations including Austin Peay State University, Clarksville Academy, Clarksville-Montgomery County Library, Customs House Museum, Fort Campbell events and Les Candides Garden Club.
Betty’s greatest joy was the time spent with her family, particularly her grandchildren and great-granddaughter. She had southern grace and elegance, a kind heart and strong determination and was a joy to all who knew her.
Betty was a member of Madison Street United Methodist Church, the Willard Blue Sunday School class and Les Candides Garden Club.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at Madison Street United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Chuck Cates, Tom Denney, Tom Drew, John Kinney, John Martin, Keith McCarthy, Calvin Stokes, Ben Stone, Sid Taylor and Sy Taylor. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Willard Blue Sunday School class.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Darnell Memorial Altar Guild Flower Fund at Madison Street United Methodist Church, 319 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.
The family extends sincere thanks to AseraCare Hospice for their professional and extraordinary support, which allowed Betty to remain in the home she loved for 59 years. Much gratitude is extended to Jackie Adams, Tammy Burney, Dorothy Datchler, Rhonda Davis, Nicole Ely, Marilyn Hendricks, Vickie Poindexter, Sharon Sager, LaShica Thomas and Sandra Wallace for their skilled and compassionate care.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.
