Nancy Gunter Darby

December 7, 2014

Nancy Gunter Darby, 70, of McDavid, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, December 5, 2014, with her husband of 53 years by her side.

Nancy was born May 7, 1944 in Pensacola to the late L.O. and Olyne Gunter. She spent her early years in Pensacola and later moved to McDavid and lived with her family on the banks of the Escambia River.

She was a radiant bride on February 24, 1961, when she married James R. (Ronnie) Darby. They built a home and settled on a farm in McDavid. She and Ronnie enjoyed going fishing on the river and gulf shores, traveling to baseball games, playing gin rummy, and big Sunday dinners with their growing family and lots of siblings, nieces and nephews. In 1974 Nancy became a bus driver for Escambia County public schools and for 30 years was the joyful good morning smile to generations of area children.

She and Ronnie enjoyed traveling and had many great adventures (and stories) with her brothers and sisters. They enjoyed watching the sun rise over the Atlantic on Dayton beach; and sunsets over the Pacific coat in Washington. They traveled from coast to coast and north to south.

She was preceded in death by her firstborn daughter, Tracey Lynn Darby Simmons; son-in-law, Henny Simmons; brothers, Jimmie Gunter, Jack Gunter and Louis Gunter.

She is survived by her husband, James R. (Ronnie) Darby; sons, Jaime (and Janine) of St Jacob, Illinois, and Kevin (and Pam) Darby of Herndon, Virginia; grandchildren, Trey (and Aimee) Simmons, Ron (and Nicole) Darby, Amanda (and Luke) Himes, Kristin (and Jeremy) Lambeth, Kyle Simmons, Ben Darby, Sara Darby, Megan Darby and Tristan Darby; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Simmons, Kaylee Himes, Keiton Simmons, Cayden Simmons, Mason Darby, Anzley Himes, Aubree Darby and Trace Lambeth; brother, Joe (and Joyce) Gunter; sisters, Barbara (and Jack) Ryals, Peggy (and Darrell) Barrow; mother-in-law, Delorse Darby; and Piper and Scooter.

Nancy/Granny will be remembered for a great many things. She made the best fried oysters, seafood gumbo, dumplings, greens and peas. She gave the best hugs, always had an ear and a heart to listen and took the time to take you fishing. She was liked by all with whom she was acquainted.

To everyone who has supported us during Nancy’s passing, the family would like to extend our sincere thanks for your many kindnesses and for the condolences and support that we have received.

Funeral services will be held Monday, December 8, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Petty-Eastside Chapel Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Barrow officiating.

Burial will follow at the Crary Memorial Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Trey Simmons, Kyle Simmons, Ron Darby, Ben Darby, Tristan Darby, Jeremy Lambeth and Nep Joey Gunter.

Comments

6 Responses to “Nancy Gunter Darby”

  1. Sylvia Godwin on December 12th, 2014 10:51 pm

    I have known Nancy for many years and she was always a sweet, and loving person. My love and prayers are with all her family and friends.

  2. JOYCE JOHNSON on December 11th, 2014 11:35 am

    OH SUCH A SWEET LADY.I LOVED BEING INVOLVED WITH HER WITH OUR CHILDREN PLAYING BALL & CHEERING. MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY, AS THEY HAVE HAD A MARVELOUS WOMAN IN THEIR LIVES. PRAYNG FOR THE FAMILY.

  3. The Bloodsworth's in Bratt on December 10th, 2014 2:13 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of grief & sadness. Sounds like she had a wonderful and blessed life and was loved and admired by many. The footprints she left behind from her life was great and she will always be remembered! <3

  4. jimmie and hilda malone on December 9th, 2014 9:56 am

    I have lots of good memories of Nancy and McDavid and all the familys,we all had such good times,I had surgery and I could not be at the funeral but you all were in our prayers,God bless you all.

  5. Kristi Barragan on December 8th, 2014 10:55 am

    We will miss you and love you dearly Aunt Nancy. We’ll always remember your amazing food and friendship. She made the best dumplings and the sweetest tea you’ve ever had. I’ll cherish my childhood memories of spending the night at your house and being scared of spiders, so I made you leave the light on. My teenage years growing up living right beside you. Every week we would meet in the middle, between our homes to eat. We always enjoyed shopping and eating out. I’m so happy that you’re no longer in any pain and you’re with your Heavenly Father..most likely hugging on to Tracey. <3

  6. Marilyn Brantley on December 8th, 2014 10:41 am

    My prayers are with the family in the loss of their Granny Darby. She was loved by so many. Pray that you will all keep the wonderful memories close to your heart.

Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries