Darla Arlene Jackson Wilson

Mrs. Darla Arlene Jackson Wilson, 84, of Robinwood Lane Elberton, GA, wife of 62 years to James 'Larry' Wilson, died peacefully on Thursday, March 7, 2024, while surrounded by her family who were singing her favorite hymns. 

Darla was born on September 12, 1939, in Pueblo, CO where she was raised with her twin sister Diane and younger sister Delaine. Her love of music developed at an early age, having joined the Pueblo Orchestra at the age of 14. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Colorado, graduating in 1961. Darla was first chair Violinist of the University of Colorado Orchestra and currently a member of the Athens Symphony Orchestra. She loved sharing the gift of music via her violin talents. Throughout her life, she played the violin at many local weddings and special events. Darla also played the piano and gave piano lessons to many children including her granddaughters.

Darla was a member of First Baptist Church of Elberton where she taught Sunday school in the youth department for many years. She dedicated her life to teaching third grade, and retired from Falling Creek Elementary School in Elberton after teaching her own granddaughter in 2001. Darla coached Little League Softball while her children were growing up. She loved watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball. In her free time, Darla enjoyed crocheting, flower gardening, watching the many hummingbirds that visited her well-stocked feeders, and listening to birds of all kinds chirp while often identifying them. Darla also loved playing cards with her family and was a member of a women's bridge group for over 40 years; four of whom played together just two weeks ago. 

Darla was a devoted wife to the love of her life Larry. They met at a First Baptist Church social in Pueblo, CO where she attended church and he served in the Army. He impressed her so by diving off the high diving board. They modeled the perfect marriage and instilled the value of a Christ centered marriage to all of their family. Darla always put her family as the highest priority and planned 29 annual vacations for them. Above all, “Grandma”, as she was lovingly called, was devoted to her family. She never missed an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren in any endeavor in which they were participating.  

Along with her husband, Larry, she is survived by her children: Jeanne and Bill Harrison of Cedar Grove, NC, Kathy and Ronny Turner of Elberton, GA, and Kristi and Tony Burden of Elberton, GA; sister, Delaine Salt of Scottsdale, AZ; grandchildren: Ronald Turner, Ryan and Abbey Turner, Lauren Lamb, Erica Burden, and Rae Harrison; great-grandchildren: Kayin, Kaliyah, Cameryn, Abram, and Isaiah, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William Kenneth Jackson and Donna Lenor Henderson Jackson; her identical twin sister, Diane Alene Jackson; her brother and sister in law, John and Frances Wilson; brother in law, Howard Bagwell; and her special friend and sister in law, Bobbie Wilson Bagwell. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 10, from 2:00-4:00p.m. at Berry Funeral Home.

Funeral services celebrating Darla's life will be conducted on Monday, March 11, at 10:00a.m. at First Baptist Church of Elberton, GA, with her lying in state beginning at 9:00a.m.

Graveside services will be conducted on Monday, March 11, at 3:00p.m. at Hayesville Baptist-Presbyterian Cemetery in Hayesville, NC.
 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.
 
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.
 
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton, GA is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Darla Arlene Jackson Wilson.