Edward Talmadge Darden, 54, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 12, 2011. His suffering on earth is now ended, and he is singing and rejoicing in heaven. Talmadge was the son of William Edward and Lillie Carr Darden, and was a lifelong resident of Carrsville. He was a proud alumni of Carrsville Elementary School and a 1974 graduate of Windsor High School. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in education. Talmadge continued his education with a Master's of Science degree, graduating in 1984. He began his service with Suffolk Public Schools in 1979 as a teacher at Southwestern Intermediate School. His service to the students of Suffolk continued as assistant principal and principal at Southwestern. In 1990, Talmadge became the principal of John Yeates Middle School until 2001 when he became the Principal of the newly constructed King's Fork Middle School until his homecoming, fulfilling his lifelong dream to open a new school. Talmadge loved to drive the school bus. He earned his way through college by driving a bus for Isle of Wight County Schools, and he never lost the passion for taking to the road on a bright yellow bus. Many mornings and afternoons throughout his career he could be found on a bus picking up or taking students home. This not only satisfied his love of driving the bus, but also allowed him to stay in touch with the communities which were served by his schools.

Talmadge was a devout Christian man who was baptized at Colosse Baptist Church, where he was active in the youth group and the church choir. Talmadge was a talented musician who also served the Lord as organist and choir director of Bethany Presbyterian Church for 21 years. While he was at Bethany, he also served as an elder, clerk of the session and on many committees. He had served for the past 17 years as director of music at Suffolk Christian Church, where he also served on the kitchen renovation and bus committees. He was a member of the Young Adult Sunday School Class. Talmadge was known throughout the community as a chef extraordinaire. His down home delicacies were a favorite with those who were fortunate enough to enjoy them.

He catered many church, school and commu- nity functions, all with Talmadge's special touch. His love for cooking began as a child, and he proudly cooked for the Carrsville Fire Department's Annual Turkey Dinner for 45 years. Talmadge had a passion for education that was unequaled. The lives he touched throughout Suffolk are immeasurable. As a teacher and principal, he saw the potential within each and every child who passed through his school. There was no greater joy for Talmadge than for his students to be successful in life. He was the recipient of numerous honors throughout his career in education, including 1981 Southwestern Teacher of the Year and was Suffolk Public Schools' first recipient of the STAR employee recognition award in January 2002. He was a member of the Virginia Association of Secondary Principals for more than 25 years. He was a former member of the Zuni Ruritan Club and served in numerous capacities locally and regionally.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by special friends, his chosen family, Robert M. Butler Jr., Karen L. Brickey and Sidney A. Neighbours; special cousin/sister Earlene Johnson Griffin and Joe; cousins, Robert Johnson Jr. and Pat, Earl R. Johnson and Amanda, A.C. Darden and Carolyn, Patty O'Neal and Ralph; Wayne Darden and Tammey; stepgrandmother, Mildred Darden; an aunt, Evelyn Darden; and many cousins from both the Carr and Darden families. He is also survived by a multitude of special friends in his church, school family and throughout the community. He was predeceased by James Parker, also a special part of his chosen family.

A celebration of Talmadge's life will be held Tuesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at Suffolk Christian Church with the Rev. Michael D. Halley and the Rev. Dolan A. Talbert officiating. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 5 to 7 p.m. and other times at the residence of Joe and Earlene Griffin. Burial will be held Wednesday, May 18, at 4 p.m. at Southampton Memorial Park with the Rev. Steve Bradshaw and the Rev. Michael D. Halley presiding. A reception will follow at Suffolk Christian Church. Memorial donations may be made to Suffolk Christian Church Music Fund, P.O. Box 1457, Suffolk, VA 23439. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.