Johnnie Lea Darden's Obituary
Johnnie Lea Owers Darden was born on September 20, 1929, in Anacoco, LA, and passed from this life on December 30, 2020, in Lafayette, LA.
Johnnie is preceded in death by her husband, Sidney K. “Pat” Darden, her parents, Leroy and Beulah Owers, one brother, McCloy Owers, and one nephew, Anthony Soprano, Jr. She is survived by one sister-in-law, Bonnie Lynn Owers, as well as nephews Michael Soprano (wife Mamie), Robert Soprano (wife Camelia), Olin Lee Owers, and one niece, Teri Lynn Lane (husband Richard), as well as many cousins.
Ms. Darden worked for many years at the First Pasadena State Bank before she and her husband opened the Western Auto Store in Leesville in the early 1970’s. Johnnie was later employed by the Vernon Parish School Board as an Administrative Assistant in the Special Education office, where she worked until her retirement earlier this year.
Johnnie was a devoted friend and churchgoer. She particularly enjoyed serving as a Greeter at East Leesville Baptist Church for many years. One of Johnnie’s favorite pastimes was shopping with her dear friend, Melba Williams.
The family would like to thank the staffs at St. Francis Cabrini Hospital, Rosepine Retirement and Rehabilitation, and University Hospital of Lafayette for their compassionate care in Johnnie’s last days, as well as her lifelong friends the Williams family, and her deacon, Blake Frederick.
Ms. Darden’s homegoing will be celebrated with a graveside service at Good Hope Baptist Church on Saturday, January 2, at 1 p.m., with officiants Rev. Jared Prewitt and Blake Frederick. The family will receive visitors at the graveside beginning at 12:00 p.m. the day of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Johnnie’s memory to the East Leesville Baptist Church Building Fund, or to the charity of your choice.
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