Apr 24, 2019

Mary S. Darby, 92, of Strabane Woods, Washington, formerly of Clarksville, passed away Friday, April 19, 2019.

She was born May 18, 1926, in Lumberton, N.C., a daughter of the late Viola Shifflet Stickel and Ulysses Grant Stickel.

She attended grade school in Isabella, where she met a classmate, John A. “Jack” Darby, who was to become her husband. Her family moved to Richmond, Va., where she graduated from John Marshall High School and then attended business school.

She was employed by Southern States Co-Op and also A&P Food Company in Richmond, where she worked in the statistical department of the main office. By coincidence she met her former classmate, Jack Darby, who was stationed at Camp Perry while serving in the U.S. Navy. They became engaged and were married by the Rev. William Barkley of Fairmont Baptist Church February 9, 1945.

Upon her husband’s discharge from the Navy, they moved to Pennsylvania and resided in the Clarksville area for more than 50 years. When her health permitted, she enjoyed crocheting, reading and working in her yard. She also baked and sold decorated cakes.

Mary retired from the Jefferson-Morgan School District after 20 years as a cashier in the food service department. She was a member of Pennsylvania State Education Association and Service Employees International Union Local 3. She was actively involved as a former member of the Parent Teacher Association and in raising money for various charitable organizations.

Mary was a 25-year member of the Clarksville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, where she held every office and was president until it disbanded. She was also a longtime member of Filer-Sadlek Post 954 American Legion Auxiliary, where she served as chaplain.

She was a member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Waynesburg for more than 30 years, where she served as chairperson for the Hospitality Committee and United Thank Offering. She also served on the Vestry as junior warden for several terms.

With her bright blue eyes and sweet smile, Mary’s warm personality and quick wit added to her charm. Her friends and family regarded her as a compassionate soul and a true confidant. She was also a true Pittsburgh sports fan and never missed an opportunity to watch her Steelers and Penguins.

Deceased is her husband of 50 years, John A. Darby Jr.; an infant son, Shaun Grant Darby; a brother, Ulysses Grant Stickel (Laura) of Richmond, Va.; a sister, Margaret Parham (Bill) of Powhatan, Va.; a sister-in-law, Priscilla Shaw (Kermit), also of Richmond; a sister-in-law, Donna Darby of Berea, Ohio; and a son-in-law, Thomas Boyer of Washington.

Surviving are three children, John A. Darby (Lauretta) of Canonsburg, Kathie Boyer of Washington and Tami Norton (Kevin) of Phoenix, Ariz.; grandchildren Shauna Piedrahita (Ron), John M. Darby (Martine), Jennifer Tullio (Aaron) and Michael and Maeve Norton; great-grandchildren Alexis and Emma Darby, Luca and Casey Tullio and Julie Piedrahita; brother-in-law Gene Darby of Berea; and sister-in-law Blanche Darby of Brownsville. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Behm Funeral Homes, 1477 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344, Gregory P. Rohanna, supervisor, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, with the Rev. Barb McMillan officiating. Immediately following the service, a luncheon will be held in Jefferson Community Center. Following the luncheon, there will be a procession to Acklin Cemetery, Brownsville, for interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canonsburg United Presbyterian Church, 112 West Pike Street, Canonsburg, PA 15317; Servant Song Ministries, 720 East Greene Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370; or American Heart Association, P.O. Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693, or at www.heart.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.behm-funeralhomes.com.