Robert L. Darden passed away Wednesday.

He was born August 14, 1948 to the late, Robert and Sarah Darden in Lanett, Alabama.

He graduated from Rehobeth High School, Fairfax, Alabama in 1967. On August 15, 1969, he was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, Carrie Lee Ware and he was blessed with one loving daughter, Gwenita.

He accepted the Lord at an early age and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama. He later joined Springfield Baptist Church, Pastor Sam Cameron, LaGrange, Georgia. He obtained his license to preach God’s word in 1969, received his Doctor of Divinity in 1975 from Universal Bible Institute, Alamo, Tennessee and acquired Bishop Ordainment in 1983. He was the founder and serve as Overseer/Bishop of the First Zion World Church of Faith USA., Decatur and LaGrange, Georgia. He was also the Founder, Overseer and Director of Uplifting Your Faith / Bethesda Outreach Ministries, LaGrange, Georgia, where he helped others move to the next level in life.

Survivors include one daughter, Gwenita LaVette Ware, LaGrange, GA; six brothers: George (Teresa) Morgan, College Park, GA; Jimmy (Emma) Morgan, Chicago, IL; George (Teresa) Gates, Willie (Tonya) Gates, Mack (Brenda) Gates, all of Valley, AL, Robert (Ann) Gates, Knoxville, TN; five sisters: Mary Nell Washington, Lanett, AL, Elaine Kellem, LaGrange, GA; Penny Booker, Lanett, AL, Louise (Sam) Bryant, Valley, AL, Betty Ann Pitts, Buffalo, NY; three sisters-in-law: Dovie Philpot, Franklin, GA, Fannie (W.C.) Crump, Atlanta, GA, Cheryl Gates, Indianapolis, IN; four brothers-in-law: Pastor J. R. Ware, LaGrange, GA, John (Pauline) Ware, Decatur, GA, Randy Flowers and Curtis Evans both of Lanett, AL; two god sons: two god-grandchildren; special friend, Pastor Gloria Burks; special nephew, Marcus Brandon Darden, LaGrange, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 1:00 PM at New Beginning Baptist Church. Pastor William Harris and Pastor Gary L. Fanning will officiate.

You may express your condolences or sign the guest book by visiting www.lakesdunsonrobertson.com.

The family will be at their home at 1605 Jackson Street.

The excellent care of Bishop Darden is being provided by Lakes-Dunson-Robertson Funeral Home.