Mable McDaniel Darden

October 24, 1909 - December 9, 2012

Mable McDaniel Williford Darden, 103, of Carolina Inn in Fayetteville died Sunday, December 9, 2012. She was born October 24, 1909 in Bladen County, North Carolina to the late William James McDaniel and Lu Anna Page McDaniel. Mrs. Darden was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Earl Williford. She was married to Mr. Williford in 1928 and came to the Eastover community. Mrs. Darden is survived by her son, Dr. Robert E. Williford and wife, Linda B. Williford of Ashboro, NC, Dr. Martha W. Zollicoffer and husband, John H. Zollicoffer, Jr. of Henderon, NC, and Marianna W. McCauley and husband, Albert O. McCauley of Fayetteville, NC. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kappy W. Yates, Peggy D. Williford, Hannah J. Youngblood, Darden Jenkins, Page J. Partin, Williford McCauley, John McCauley and Mary Martha M. Hardison and twelve great-grandchildren. Mrs. Darden was also predeceased by her second husband, Benjamin A. Darden in 1975. Mrs. Darden was a sales associate for Holmes Electric Company for 15 years. She was the Director of the Cape Fear Medical Center in the early 60's and served on the Board of Directors. In 1965, she was appointed to the Confederate Woman's Home Board of Directors by Gov. Dan K. Moore. She became the Superintendent of the Home in 1964 and remained in such position until her retirement in 1976. Mrs. Darden was active in the Eastover community especially with her Garden Club and Salem Methodist Church for which she also served on the Board of Trustees. She was a charter member of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and remained active in its promotion and progress. She derived great job in finding opportunities to meet people and developed many lasting friendships throughout Cumberland County. Even in her later years, she maintained her interests in politics and world and community activities, and always remained a friend and confidant to many, and especially to her grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 3:00 at Salem Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, 536 North Eastern Bend, Fayetteville, NC 28301 or to Salem Methodist Church, 2171 Middle Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301.