Marinda Gail Darby

Marinda Gail McElroy Darby, 85, of Maggie Valley, passed away on March 16, 2024, surrounded by her family.  Born August 7, 1938, in Barrow Georgia to the late Cove & Hardiman Blasingame McElroy, she was the youngest of three children.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jim Darby, Sr.; brother, Haskel McElroy and a sister Leah Gattis.   

Left to cherish Marinda’s memory is her son, Jim (Anita) Darby, Jr of Candler, granddaughters, Anna and Ally and several nieces and nephews.  

Miranda grew up on a small farm in Oconee County, Georgia.  She graduated from Bogart High School in 1956 where she played basketball and was active in school theater.  She was a faithful member of Hebron Christian Church which she always considered her “home” church.  She left her hometown to go to the “big city” and attend business college in Atlanta.

She was a Georgia Bulldog fan and loved to watch the Braves.  She was always a sports fan and loved to watch those she loved play ball, from always attending Jim’s high school and college games to more recently watching her granddaughters dance, cheer and play volleyball.

Miranda retired from Haywood County Hospital in 2002, where she worked for 25 years.  She also retired from J. Arthur’s Restaurant in 2018 where she loved to greet and talk with all the folks who came in.  

Boy did she enjoy cooking and meeting new people.  Her greatest joy was her two granddaughters Anna and Ally.  

She spent the last few months in the care of The Oaks at Sweeten Creek. 

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Curt McClure officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. 

The family would like to thank all the wonderful care givers at The Oaks for the care given to Marinda during her time with them.