A godly woman, generous and full of service and sacrifice for others. Jo Alice Darden (affectionately known as Jody to her family and all her kids) was born in Rotan, Texas, on January 6, 1929, to George Edward Darden and Nora Iness Connelly Darden. Jody was peacefully summoned to the Lord on August 23, 2024. Jody was preceded in death by her sister Alline Northrop, brother Cecil Darden, sister Lilian Pearston, niece Joyce Huffman, great-niece Jill Elaine Huffman Nettles, and her exceptional lifelong friend and soul sister, Mabel Wells. She is survived by her three nieces: Mary Northrop Risely, Cheryl Darden Carlson, and Janice Darden Jameson; and four nephews: Alton Northrop, Bill Northrop, Daniel Northrop, and Richard James Pearston. Jo Alice Darden graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which opened many opportunities for her and showcased her natural leadership capabilities, leading to an illustrious career. Not long after college Jo and Mabel Jo served as a civilian employee with the Army Air Corps, during which time they lived in London, England for a year. That experience left a lasting impression, and many were the beneficiaries of the great food they learned to cook while there, especially the toffee. Upon return to the United States, she began working for Mr. Eddie Childs and the Western Company in Midland, Texas, after which she and Mabel Wells moved to Fort Worth with the Western Company. Later, Jo was hired by the Radio and Television Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, where she served as an executive in the office of Vice President of Production. She followed that national and international post to work for Mr. Howard Walsh and served as a director in his philanthropic endeavors. After retiring, Jody started a financial services business, assisting elderly individuals with their bills and financial concerns. She was loved and trusted by her many clients because of her indelible integrity. Jo was a long-time member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church, and after she and Mabel moved to North Richland Hills, they eventually became members of North Fort Worth Baptist Church, where she served faithfully. She was involved on the pulpit committee, the personnel committee, and often took on other leadership roles. Her heart and soul of service to North Fort Worth Baptist Church was the children’s ministry. Keeping the children in the nursery for as long as she was physically able was her and Mabel’s most cherished weekly activity. In addition to her local church and national denominational service, Jo also served on the board of the Christian Education Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Jo dedicated her life to the service of the Lord through her church, using all the gifts she brought to it. There is no doubt that her greatest joy, alongside Mabel, was loving, caring for, and being a part of showing children how God loved them and sees them. Not only the children in her family but also the children who became her family at North Fort Worth Baptist Church. She loved each child as she modeled for them what it means to love the Lord your God with all your might, and others as yourself. Jo Darden awoke every day and prayed for God to show her who she needed to help that day, a child, a friend, a family member, a stranger. Her days were always full being the answer to that prayer. It is her Christian legacy to all of us. The Service will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2:00 pm at North Ft. Worth Baptist Church, Ft. Worth, TX. – In lieu of flowers the family has asked that you contribute to the to the Children’s Ministry of North Ft. Worth Baptist Church.