Teresa “Kathy” Darden (Lansing)

THE WONDERFUL LIFE OF TERESA "KATHY" DARDEN

"But our commonwealth is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will change our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power which enables Him even to subject all things to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21

On Saturday, November 16, 320 days into the year of the Lord 1946, John and Wilma Sherrod were blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Teresa Kathleen Sherrod. Teresa, also known as “Kathy”, began a career as a secretary through the co-op student program at the First Congregational Church. As a young scholar, Teresa attended school in Jackson, Michigan graduating from Jackson High in 1964. She attended Jackson Community College and later Lansing Community College, earning her Associate's Degree in Business.

Teresa Sherrod met William Darden and the two were united in Holy matrimony on November 26, 1964 in Jackson, Michigan. "So, they were no longer two but one flesh". Matthew 19:6. To this wonderful union, three children were gifted, April, William and Sumer.

Under the leadership of Rev. Joel L. King, Teresa Darden united with Union Missionary Baptist Church. With Jesus as her example, Teresa showed selfless care always willing to help in any capacity needed at Union. She served diligently as a door keeper for the house of the Lord, sang in the Young Adult Choir, and used her ministry of culinary art. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15

Mrs. Darden had no limits on helping the Lansing and surrounding communities. She assisted with distributing Thanksgiving baskets, supported St. Jude, and initiated the 100 mittens campaign to provide warm coverings for the little ones during the winter months. "She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

Teresa was committed to health and fitness which she displayed by her daily workout sessions at the YMCA.

She chose a career as an Executive Administrative Assistant with the State of Michigan, working within various departments. She retired after a tenure of 30 years.

Teresa also established an event's planning business "D'licious", highlighting her phenomenal culinary skills which included menu preparation, table scaping, and signature desserts, specifically her famous apple pie. "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay." I Peter 4:9 NLT

Family was the pivotal essence of Teresa's life. She was proud and honored to be a daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cousin to a large family. With the assistance of her siblings, Teresa was a caretaker for her mother and sister Virginia. Her lifelong devotion to God and her family were absolute and demonstrated every day that she lived. As a woman of honor, she gave of herself not for recognition, but for the joy that filled her heart. She was an exceptional and interactive mother, a brilliant grandmother, and a loving, supportive and caring person to all who knew her.

In the mid-day hours of Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Teresa "Kathy" Darden left this earthly vessel, at the age of 73 years, to rejoice in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was preceded in her journey by her father, John; mother, Wilma and brother Russell.

Many precious memories will be shared by her three children, April (Michael) Skinner, William (Joy) Darden, and Sumer Renae Darden; grandchildren, Nathan (Kristen), Carlos (J'Nay), Cameron (Tiffany), Naiya, Kaden, Sierra and Brandon; one great-grandchild, Brooklyn; five sisters, Eleanor Jean Edwards, LaRiesa Kay Thompson , Virginia Louise, Linda Ann and Ruth Helene Sherrod; five brothers, John (Eloise), Roger Keith, Matthew (Judy), David (Debbie), Patrick (Danielle) Sherrod; three nieces, Dawn, Margo, Robin; five nephews, Matthew, Jr., Mark, Christopher, Antonio, and Anthony, and a multitude of great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends including special friends, Barbara Jean, Dutchy, Lahine, Ladon, Joetta, Tanya P., Chetrice, Zaidee, Judy, Jodean, Maxine, Marva, Ruth Jefferson, Sheryl Little Fletcher, Lori, Fyquetia "Juel", Pammie, Regina and Pam.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, nor any powers, neither nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38