Callie Mae Darnell

Callie Mae Carter Darnell, 107, of Kingsport died on August 12, 2018 after a brief illness. Up until then she had enjoyed remarkably good mental and physical health. She celebrated her 107th birthday last June in the company of family and friends at her home. She attributed her longevity to among other things "not worrying about things you can't change".She was born on June 25, 1911 in Willow Shoals, KY, and lived most of her life in Kingsport. She retired after working many years at the Lynn Garden Grade School in the cafeteria. She began working at the age of 16 at Borden Mills, and later was employed with the Kingsport Press and the Defense Plant in Kingsport. She was a member of the Lynn Garden Baptist Church congregation for 72 years, and only during the last four years she was not able to attend services in person.Callie Mae is pre-deceased by her husband William Craft Darnell (1986); son Tommy Carter Darnell who died as a youth (1948); and a brother, Lincoln Carter (1977).She is survived by her daughter Betty Kay Darnell Kennedy, now residing in Massachusetts, as well as her two grandsons, Tom Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, their spouses, and four great-grandchildren living in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. She is also survived by her two dear nieces, Nancy Carter and Vicki Carter, both of Kingsport.The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 18, 2018, in the Fireside Room of Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 2:00 pm with Rev. Rick Meade officiating. Music will be provided by Carroll Hurd.A Graveside Service will follow at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City, Virginia.In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Lynn Garden Baptist Church, 301 May Ave, Kingsport, TN 37665.The care of Callie Mae Darnell and her family has been entrusted to Oak Hill Funeral and Cremation Services.Read Obituary