Virginia Rose Darnell's Obituary
Virginia Rose Darnell, 91, of Decatur, formerly of Blue Mound and Sullivan, Illinois, passed away October 21, 2024, at Hickory Point Christian Village.
Virginia was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 1, 1933, the daughter of George and Lillie (Jett) Huesmann. She married James A. Darnell on March 2, 1957, in Blue Mound, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2023.
Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and taught music in Blue Mound before focusing on raising her family. She later joined the Greater Decatur Chorale. After singing with that group for several years, she pursued her dream of ministering through music to people in nursing homes. She founded Prairie Winds, and for the next 30 years, the group shared their musical gifts with hundreds of area nursing home residents. Virginia was an entrepreneur who established Golden Horizons, a shop for Bible studies, coloring books for adults, and various other creative outlets. When she was not working, she loved to be with her family, especially during holiday celebrations. She was a faithful member of Sullivan United Methodist Church.
Virginia is survived by her children: Diane Brown (Michael) of Maroa, IL, David Darnell (Flora) of Williamsville, IL, Denise Sarna (Ken) of Decatur, IL, Dawn Cuttill (Michael) of Ridge Spring, SC, and Duane Darnell (Lynette) of Plainfield, IL; grandchildren: Julie Schmidgall, Jennifer Power, Mallory Darnell, Jeremy Sarna, Weston Cuttill, Maggie Ray, Connor Darnell, Ashley Darnell, Evan Darnell, and Tiffany Cuttill; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson Anthony Cuttill.
A graveside service will be held at 11am on Friday, November 1, at Moultrie County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Sullivan Methodist Church Music Program. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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