Velva Dungan Darden

Velva Dungan Darden passed away Sunday, March 18, 2018. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, March 22, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Forsyth with burial in Monroe Hills Memorial Gardens. Dr. Dan Whitaker and Dr. Hambric Brooks will officiate. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Monroe County Memorial Chapel. Mrs. Darden, the daughter of the late George Fredrick Dungan and Lula Padgett Dungan was born August 4, 1921, in Forsyth, Georgia. Her husband, Ret. Col. George William Darden preceded her in death. She was a homemaker, a member of First Baptist Church of Forsyth and a volunteer for Meal on Wheels. Gonga, as her family and friends knew her, served all who crossed her path. She enjoyed many hobbies including cooking, baking, sewing, arts and crafts, painting, socializing, playing scrabble and fishing. She never met a stranger and all were welcomed at her table. In her years at Mary Persons High School and Bessie Tift College she played basketball and tennis and continued to enjoy watching both on television. She enjoyed serving her community through all of her gifts and talents. One of her most treasured accomplishments was the Chrismon Tree for First Baptist Church. We will remember her love, care and compassion in all the ways she loved and served. Mrs. Darden is survived by her children, Iris (Lloyd) Zehner of Monticello, George “Buddy” (Frances) Darden of Thomson, Dean (Kathy) Darden of Culloden, Madison Darden of Forsyth and Denise (Joel) Vinson of Forsyth; sister, Alice James of Duluth; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. The family may be contacted at the residence, 101 Bazemore Street, Forsyth, Ga 31029. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Meal on Wheels at First Baptist Church or to First Baptist Church of Forsyth, 95 West Morse Street, Forsyth, Ga 31029.Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.