Nora G Darden

November 28, 1934 NORA (Clarissa) Grey Darden, was born to The Late Carrie Anna Covington-Darden and Jack Darden in Wilson, North Carolina. Born into a family of nine siblings, "Ms. Babes'" little bundle of Joy affectionately took on the name:

"BABY SISTA".

Growing up in Wilson, were some of the best times in her life. As she affectionately LOVED to have "STORYTIME" with whomever she BLESSED with her TIME & HEART.

"BABY SISTA" lost her mom at an early age and was raised by her loving siblings. She enjoyed being able to travel the countryside, from Benettseville, South Carolina, Baltimore, Maryland, Manhattan, New York and Newark, New Jersey.

Holding on to the strong FAITH and LOVE for GOD she was taught by her Mother, "MS.BABE", "BABY SISTA" joined Little Friendship Baptist Church in Newark during the fifties under the The Late Reverend J.W. Caldwell and First Lady Lillian Caldwell. Under the leadership of Reverend Randall in 1963, "BABY SISTA" MARCHED with the entire congregation from 186 Charleston St. the Church's New home at 571 S 10th St. She SERVED GOD as an Usher, Missionary and Soulfully Sang OF GODS GOODNESS with "THE CHOIR" under the Leadership of then, Professor, now, Dr. Albert J. Lewis. She remade the gospel song "AMAZING GRACE" to put her own "Southern Sultry Prophetic Tone" to it. "BABY SISTA" was most proud of her choir for being on "THE RADIO" because they were so GREAT. She was honored to be in attendance in 1981 to usher in Reverend Martin LeGree Sr. who still serves as pastor today! She was more than HONORED to assist in SERVICE WORKING FOR GODS GLORY with Assistant Pastor John Wesley Minatee. She taught HER CHILDREN, GRAND-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN TO "FEAR NO MAN, EXCEPT GOD". "BABY SISTA" was A "PRAYING WOMAN". She woke up EVERY MORNING and gave GOD PRAISE. Praying for "HER" entire "FAMILY", "DAILY", calling out their names in "LOVE". Her MIND was SHARP as whip, enduring all LIFE had to offer her. SHE STOOD firm in her HER FAITH and she also new how to have a good time.

SHE was "THE LIFE" OF EVERY PARTY! No matter where she was on Saturday night, she made a VOW To be in GODS HOUSE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING TO GIVE GOD HIS DUE!

She was offered a "Record Deal" after performing at a Talent Show with the song, "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean", by Ruth Brown. "BABY SISTA" turned down that opportunity to Raise Her Children.

That didn't stop her from singing to her children as they affectionately remember her singing songs by her FAVORITES Mr. Sam Cooke whom she had the pleasure of serving with her sister in LOVE NONI ELEY, at their restaurant they were partners in. "BABY SISTA" also LOVED to sing "Sixty Minute Man", by Mr. David McNeil, base singer of "The Legendary INK SPOTS", whom SHE married in HOLY MATRIMONY in 1992.

"BABY SISTA" picked cotton as a child because she wanted to help NOT because she had to. As a young adult she started working in the factories with her sisters working with "FINE JEWELRY". She was an entrepreneur and she served as a "BARTENDER" for years and affectionately answered to the names "BIG RED", "SEXY NORA", and "Cabbage Patch". Service with a smile at "CLARA'S LOUNGE", "BOONS COON" and ending her night life career at "THE TWENTY GRAND LOUNGE", under the leadership of Mr. Roosevelt Scotty and Mrs. Blanche Miles. "BABY SISTA" gave "FASHION SHOWS' to teach ladies and gentlemen how to walk the runway uniquely with "GRACE".

"BIG RED" then ventured into Social Justice with the help of her late bestfriend, Ms. Vernel "BONNIE" Nichols. She became a "CHEF" for and retired from The State of New Jersey, Division of Justice, Law and Order. She didn't mind pulling her badge out for you and letting you know that she worked for, 'JUVENILE JUSTICE, LAW AND ORDER".

She NOT only FED those who were incarcerated but she spoke LIFE, LOVE AND JESUS to each and everyone under her charge. She DILIGENTLY WORKED HARD under the leadership OF Ms. Daisy Ash and Mr. Ron Small, where she affectionately ANSWERED TO the names, "Ms. NORA" and "Ms. DARDEN.