Anita Rae Darby

On March 31st, at 5:15 P.M. Anita Rae Estes Darby went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ.  She had battled Multiple Sclerosis for 35 years, but a recent diagnosis of cancer is what ultimately ended her long, fruitful life. Visitation will be held on Tues. April 3, 2018 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 1pm on Wed. April 4, 2018 at the Ott & Lee Funeral Home Chapel in Brandon, MS.

Anita was born October 28, 1951 in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Leon and Frances Estes.  Moving to Jackson at a young age, she grew up at Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Jackson.  Born into a very loving Christian family, Anita held her faith tight until the day the Lord called her home.

Graduating from Wingfield High School in 1969, Anita married Wayne Darby in 1970 and decided to raise her family in South Jackson.  She soon began working for Deposit Guaranty Bank.  She worked there for 15 years until her Multiple Sclerosis made her take an early retirement.

Family meant everything to Dayday, as many people in her family affectionately called her.  She was the glue that held the family together.  She was that type of person that made everyone around her better.

Anita is survived by her loyal husband, Wayne; her loving children, Michael (Camille) Darby, Matthew (Kimberly) Darby, and Sarah (Ryan) Donald; her grandchildren Mattison and Talon Darby; Rayne, Rowan, Rylan Donald, and; Meredith, Makenna, and Megan Darby.  She also leaves behind her only sister and best friend, Beth Etheridge.

Anita never met a stranger.  She was truly a best friend to all.  She went out of her way to make each person she met feel special.  This characteristic endeared her to many people.  She also loved her church, First United Pentecostal Church of Brandon.  On most Sundays you could find her there with her Bible, and heart open to what message the Lord has for her.

Anita was a precious Angel on earth, and now God has made it official.  She loved, and will forever be loved.  She will be missed.  Fly high Dayday, fly high!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Pentecostal Church of Brandon at 1368 W. Government St. Brandon, MS 39042.