February 18, 2026, 89, Kenly – Annie Mae Darden, 89, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Johnston County on April 7, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Bythan Andrew and Addie Parnell Willoughby.
In addition to her parents, Annie Mae was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Michael Darden; children, Beverly Starr Worley, Teresa Lynn Worley, and Tammy Louise Worley; and siblings, William B. Willoughby, James Henry Willoughby, B.A. Willoughby, Elizabeth Willoughby, and Louise Rowe.
Annie Mae is survived by her children, Steve Worley (Laurie), Alan Worley (Monica), Jason Darden (Tara), and Frankie Tart (Harvey); grandchildren, Dustin Worley (Amy), Steven Worley (Emma), Richard Reavis (Tammy), Jennifer Reavis, Addison Darden, Geoffrey Tart, and Betsey Lane (Rian); great-grandchildren, Ayden Reavis, Camden Worley, Maelynn Worley, Gehrig Lane, and Camden Lane; and several beloved nieces and nephews whom she cherished.
Annie Mae was a dedicated and faithful member of Fellowship Community Methodist Church in Princeton where she enjoyed outings with the ladies’ auxiliary.
Family was paramount to Annie Mae. She relished in time spent with her loved ones, especially if they were gathered around her table. Known for her cooking and baking skills, her meals were always prepared with love for those she was serving. Her caring heart extended to those around her. Annie Mae was always there for her friends and family when they were sick or in the hospital, usually with a hot meal from her kitchen. If you were fortunate, she might show up “just because” with a meal to show how much she cared for you.
A service to celebrate Annie Mae’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Fellowship Community Methodist Church with Rev. Jesse Stephenson and Rev. Dennis Pollock officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Kenly Funeral Service.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Annie Mae’s caregiver, Darlene Lopez for your love, tender care, and support shown to our beloved Annie Mae.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to Fellowship Community Methodist Church, 5755 Rains Crossroads Road, Princeton, NC 27569.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral & Cremation Service.
