Martha Winn Darden

February 15, 1927 - August 28, 2014

Martha Winn Darden, 87, of Houston, TX died August 28, 2014 after a brief illness. She was born February 15, 1927 in Albany, GA to John Winn, Jr. and Ruby McGahee Winn. She was reared in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Girls High School. She attended the University of Georgia where she earned a BS degree in Education. She taught school in Moultrie, GA and Atlanta, GA before moving to Port Arthur, TX, where she taught second grade at Franklin Elementary. She married Jerome Kirby Darden, Jr. in 1953. They had a son and two daughters and were married for 56 years until Kirby's death in 2009. Kirby's job with Gulf Oil took the family to Philadelphia, PA, Seoul, Korea, Pittsburgh, PA and Houston, TX. Martha and Kirby returned to Port Arthur in 1983 where they enjoyed a successful retirement surrounded by dear friends. She was a member of Providence Church. Martha moved to Houston in 2013 to be closer to family. At the time of her death, she was a member of Pines Presbyterian Church. Martha was an accomplished bridge player. She was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord with all of her heart. She loved her family and friends, and she loved to laugh. Martha is survived by a son, Winn Darden and his wife, Kim, of Simi Valley, CA; daughters Julie Darden and Ginny Darden Nelson, both of Houston, TX; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 10-11 AM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves, TX. Funeral service will follow the visitation with Rev. Clay Faulk officiating. A private burial will follow for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 6301 Richmond Ave., Houston, Texas 77057 in memory of Martha Winn Darden or the charity of your choice.