Mr. Darren Lewis Parker

Mr. Darren Lewis Parker of 208 Guilford Street, Danville, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that he is now resting safely in the arms of the Lord.

Born on October 22, 1969, in Danville, Virginia, Darren was the beloved son of the late Catherleen Parker Jackson, who preceded him in death. She was a Godly woman of unwavering faith, whose unconditional love, strength, and wisdom guided her children throughout their lives. Her children were the center of her world, and that love was reflected in Darren’s life. He was the son of the late Cephus Nelson Barksdale. He was the cherished grandson of the late Deacon Witcher Parker and Deaconess Melvin Parker, who instilled in him the importance of faith, family, and putting God first. He affectionately called them “Mama” and “Daddy.”

Darren attended O.T. Bonner Jr. High School and graduated from George Washington High School. He also furthered his education at Danville Community College. At an early age, he accepted Christ and was baptized at Hackberry Baptist Church by Pastor Rufus Fuller Sr., later joining Vance Street Missionary Baptist Church, where his faith continued to grow.

Darren had a heart for serving others. He had a passion for cooking and a genuine love for people. His warm spirit and sincere kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. At a very young age, he worked as a contracted Register & Bee paper carrier for 10 years and later served faithfully as a dietician at Piney Forest Health Care and Roman Eagle Nursing Home, where he cared for others with compassion and dedication.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving sister, Melody Charlene Jackson; his devoted brother, Ronnie Demond Jackson; his supportive stepfather, Mr. Ronnie Jerome Jackson; two handsome nephews, Trae Hairston and Traekata Hairston; one beautiful niece, Kayla Hairston; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. All who knew him were blessed by his presence and will continue to carry his love in their hearts.

Though he is no longer with us in body, Darren’s spirit lives on in the lives he touched. 

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Darren Parker will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 447 Old South Main Street, Danville, Virginia.  Rev. Jermaine Parker, Eulogist and Pastor Antonio Logan, Officiant.  A private burial will be held at a later date.

A public viewing will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the chapel of J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment.

The family will be receiving relatives and friends at residence of his step parents,  Mr. & Mrs. Ronnie Jackson, 208 Guilford Street Danville, Virginia.

The family is asked to assemble at the funeral home on the day of the service at 12:45 p.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed, allowing family and friends near and far to come together in prayer, reflection and remembrance. Please click here at time of service to join in the live stream.

Professional funeral services have been entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment, 447 Old South Main St. Danville, Va., Bishop Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director., Elder Monica Martin, Funeral Directress (434)799-9262. 

Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com. “Our Family Servicing Your Family”