Retha Darby

With deepest sympathy, we at Graham and Godwin Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Ms. Retha Darby of Lake City, South Carolina. Please keep the Darby family in your thoughts and prayers.

Life Reflections

I know that this is something that one ever truly prepares for,however My Master called, and I answered. I was born Retha Mae Darby but was often referred to as Reet by my siblings, Retha Mae by my friends/community and Ammay by my nieces and nephews. I was educated within the public schools of Williamsburg County.

If there were anything I would want people to remember about me it would be my love for my family but more than anything, my love for the Lord. It bought me pleasure to serve on various boards in my church before my decline in health.

I departed for my journey on high on Saturday May 11,2024. To my loved ones, the pain that I was feeling physically has now ceased. I have been made new.

I was preceded in death by my loving husband David Burgess of Lake City SC.

I was born July 4, 1950, to the late Daisey Burroughs Burgess and Abraham Simmons. I was raised by my stepfather Joshua Burgess who also preceded me in death.

I am looking forward to reuniting with my only son Tyrone Darby. I have 4 siblings that went on before me: Frazier Simmons, Robert Darby, Sharon Burgess Woodard, and Joshua Burgess Jr.

I leave to cherish my memories always:

My Grandson Natorious Qui’an Zakee Darby of the home. He was definitely the apple of my eye. “Scooter” as you areaffectionally called, thank you for caring for me and offering unwavering support during my darkest days.

My siblings: Leroy (Lillie) Darby of Lake City SC, Johnny Lee Burgess of Lake City SC, Rickey Lee Burgess (Betty Jean) of Lake City Sc, Betty Burgess McGill (David) of Lake City SC, and Barbara McLeod (Willie) of Myrtle Beach SC I will miss you guys dearly.

In 1982 I adopted via kinship care 4 of my nieces and nephew: Christopher Oneal Wilson, Chatonia (Creg) Smalls, Darin Leon Simmons, and Dorothy Latasha Simmons.

I leave behind one special aunt, Dorothy Burroughs Pernell of Newark, New Jersey.

I also leave behind to cherish my memories a host of nieces and nephews that were like my own children. To my extended family and friends, I will see you on the other side.