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.

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Mousey Brown

News

Russellville First Baptist Church receives historical marker

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Meeting a higher standard – Russellville High School JROTC

News

RCS BOE announces new superintendent  

News

Miss Dream Girl Pageant names winners

Franklin County

First Metro Bank hosts FAME Girls’ Ranch donation drive

News

PCHS holds annual Shelby Grissom Memorial Fashion Show

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: VFW Post 5184 – ‘No One Does More For Veterans’

Features

Supporting students’ futures

Features

Red Bay Garden Club discusses amaryllis planting

Franklin County

UA announces local students for fall 2023 President’s, Dean’s, graduation lists

News

School news

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Troy Oliver

Franklin County

Appropriations bill passes, allots more than $3 million for new Russellville library/multipurpose center 

Franklin County

Franklin County Cattlemen’s Association names Cattleman of the Year 

Franklin County

Franklin County votes: Unofficial March 5 primary election results 

Franklin County

Funding for new Russellville library, multipurpose community center expected this week

Features

Faces of Franklin County: BTCPA

News

GFWC Russellville Book Lovers Club sponsors downtown art crawl

Franklin County

PROGRESS 2024: Veteran Spotlight – Cody Bragwell

Franklin County

42nd annual Miss RHS pageant names winners 

News

Miss RHS pageant takes place Friday

Franklin County

Political announcement: David Hester speaks about run for reelection as county commissioner

Franklin County

BTCPA auditions for final production of season take place March 3-4 

x