Richard ''BoBo" Earl Darden

Richard Earl Darden, also known as Bobo, was born on February 28, 1956, in Goldsboro, NC, to Clara Rawlings Darden. Bobo lived life to the fullest, and on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 1:57 PM, he received a “Clarion Call” to eternal life.

God requested the honor of Bobo’s presence, and without hesitation, he quickly accepted, though he hated to leave his beloved family and friends who surrounded his bed.

Bobo is now included in that great crowd of witnesses that compasses about us. We prayed without ceasing that God would heal his body, but God’s plan for Bobo included moving into his brand-new home, the one not made by man’s hands. Bobo’s childhood was spent in Princeton, then Goldsboro, and back to Princeton, where he attended and graduated from Princeton High School. Bobo spent countless hours on the basketball court, on the football field, fishing, playing the drums, hanging out with Sal, Buddy, Dennis, Lynelle, Billy, Kirk, and the rest of his buddies in Princeton, and James Brown in Goldsboro.

Bobo never met a stranger, and if you heard a loud burst of laughter, he was usually in the center of the group telling a joke, dancing, or just being “flat-out funny.” He was an animated storyteller who kept everyone enthralled until he delivered the punchline. He was a natural-born comedian who could imitate anything or anybody, and often did. He could mimic many characters and was famous for his impersonation of JJ Evans from Good Times, among others. Richard joined St. Stephens Disciple Church of Christ at an early age and later sang in the choir. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and was often called upon to sing Open the Floodgates of Heaven and Falling in Love with Jesus.

Even as a young child, Bobo was the peacemaker, a quiet influence when chaos or sibling rivalry reared its head. His quiet strength, fortified with a spirit of calmness, prevailed first between his brother and sister, then later on in the family and the community when needed. He could defuse a situation with his quiet stillness or by infusing his sense of humor.

Bobo always looked for the good in people. He had a big heart and passion, and enjoyed music, dogs, life, spending time with family, and helping others. Bobo adored his family, his circle of friends, playing games on his devices, and of course the Washington Redskins; even though the name changed, they were and always will be the “Redskins”.

Richard graduated from Princeton High School and entered the workforce. After high school, he married Lucinda Campbell, and they were blessed with a sweet baby girl, Malika Joi. They both died tragically in a house fire before Malika’s third birthday.

Some of his family and friends feared that he would be afraid to love again or to father another child after such a tragedy. But God had another plan for his life, and a few years later He sent JoAnn Kenyon into Bobo’s life—an angel who brought him immeasurable joy, which was then intensified by the birth of their beautiful, precious bundle of joy, Amber Tiffiny Darden.

The love, devotion, joy, and power of their bond were evident to anyone who encountered Bobo and his“ girls.” They moved to, Maryland, where they lived for many years and worked at District Photo, so there are a million-plus pictures of Amber and a few of other family and friends. In 2001, the family relocated to Princeton and became an integral part of the family, workforce, church, and community. Some of the best pool parties, ribs, hot dogs, and smoked turkey legs came off the smoker and grill of the “Grill Master” in the yard of the Darden family. Anyone fortunate enough to receive an invitation was blessed.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife, Lucinda Darden; his daughter, Malika Joi Darden; his mother, Clara (Chick) Darden Kennon; his dad, Elder Harold Kennon; his nephew, Michael Rawlings; his great-nephew, Aaron Daniels; his brother-in-law, Michael Kenyon; his maternal grandmother, Inell Rawlings; his aunts, Dorothy McKenna and Martha Coley; and his best friend, Randy.

Richard leaves to celebrate his precious memories his devoted wife of 44 years, JoAnn Kenyon Darden of the home; his precious daughter, Amber Tiffany Darden of Wendell; his canine baby girl, whom he absolutely adored; one sister, Tina Ray of Selma; one brother, Tony Ray Darden of West Virginia; mother-in-law, Esther Powell of Maryland; father-in-law, Bobby Powell of Maryland; brother-in-law, Robert (Little Bobby) Powell II; sister-in-law, Teresa Matthews (Argo); two uncles, Morris Rawlings of New Jersey and Larry Rawlings of Princeton; one aunt, Linda Brown of Clayton; two nieces, Sherri Darden (Woodie) of Princeton and London Powell of Maryland; six nephews, Jefferey Rawlings of Raleigh, Cory Daniels (Dawn) of Georgia, Avery Powell of Maryland, Travis Drawhorn (Ingrid), Christopher Crawford, and Rayshaun Crawford of Goldsboro; his best friend, Dereck Baker, Sr.; and a host of great-nephews, one great-niece, cousins, relatives, and friends far too numerous to name but beloved as well.

TO MY DAD

Your absence leaves a hole A shadow on my soul But in my heart, you stay Guiding me each day A hero, strong and true, My love will always be for you.From your loving daughter. I love you forever and always.- Amber Tiffany Darde