Sadly, we announce the passing of our wonderful and loving mother, Barbara Fager Darden, 82; a Chesapeake native. She was surrounded by her family as she went to meet our Lord Jesus on the eve of May14th, 2023. Barbara grew up in the South Norfolk section of Chesapeake, where she attended Oscar Smith High School and was a lifetime member of a local congregational Christian Church. She was a true patriot to her country and volunteered much of her time to various clubs and civic organizations to benefit her beloved city. A mother to 3 children of her own, she was the oldest of 6 children and played a large role in raising her 5 brothers. She was the matriarch of our family. Barbara began working for C&P Telephone Co. shortly after high school and retired many years later, after it had become Verizon. She enjoyed her time at the phone company as she made many, many friends and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

She was predeceased by 2 brothers, William B. Fager and Wesley M. Fager. She is survived by her husband, Franklin Allen Darden, oldest son Jeffrey Allen Darden, son Gregory Scott Darden and daughter Michelle Darden Simmonds; 3 brothers and their wives: Wayne and Carolyn Fager, Keith and Grace Fager, Scott and Pam Fager and sister-in-law Kay Fager. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families.

Visitation and Chapel Service will be held at Graham Funeral Home, 1112 Kempsville Rd., Chesapeake, 23320. Graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, 1000 E Indian River Rd., Norfolk, 23523. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Chapel Service will be on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 12:00pm noon to 1:00pm. Graveside Service will follow the chapel service at Graham around 1:45pm on May 24, 2023. Please join the family back at the Graham Banquet Hall for a reception. Please visit her webpage at www.grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and leave a condolence to the family.