YANCEYVILLE, NC - Mr. Wilbert A. Darden, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Beacon Place AuthoraCare Collective Hospice.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. from the McLaurin-Harris Memorial Chapel, 721 East Morehead Street, Reidsville, NC.

Mr. Wilbert Arthur Darden, 73, of Yanceyville, NC entered eternal rest on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Beacon Place in Greensboro, NC.

Mr. Darden was born in Mecklenburg County, VA on January 8, 1953, to the late Charlie R. and Lucille D. Baptist.

Wilbert attended West End High School in Skipwith, VA. Wilbert continued his education at Universal Technical Institute in Florida to become ASE-certified Mercedes-Benz Master Technician. Mr. Darden was a successful automotive business owner who specialized in European vehicle repair.

Wilbert loved spending time with his family, riding motorcycling, drag racing, and gardening.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert James London, Roy L. Darden, George L. Darden, and Charlie R. Darden.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife of 21 years, Angella Darden Reidsville, NC; five sons - Thomas 'Tommy' Bell, Kashawn Venable, Wilbert Kychoren Darden, Derrick TJ Gunter, and Jermain Gunter; a host of grandchildren; four brothers, John Baptist (Christine) of Bullock, NC, Roscoe Baptist (Edith) of Richmond, VA, and Danny Baptist of Yanceyville, NC; three sisters, Julie London of Los Angeles, CA, Ann Jones of Greensboro, NC and Nancy Baptist of Woodbridge, VA; and a vast number of nieces, nephews, loving relatives and caring friends. Last but certainly not least, Petie Pablo Darden, his faithful, loyal, and loving dog.

Service by McLaurin-Harris