Darrell Jerome Foushee

Mr. Darrell Jerome Foushee of Chapel Hill, NC, age 63, peacefully transitioned on Friday, April 12, 2024, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC.

The Obituary

Darrell Jerome Foushee was born January 15, 1961, to the late Eunice Delores James (Foushee) Farrington, and Alfred Louis Foushee. He took delight in sharing a birthday with Martin Luther King, Jr. and his late uncle, Eugene Gracy. Darrell transitioned peacefully after an extended illness aggravated by a severe head trauma injury. God understood Darrell was tired of battling pain, his weakened body deserved to have comfort and eternal rest. Darrell was prayed and sung right into the loving arms of his eternal father - surrounded by family and friends. His grandfather, Mr. Garland Foushee preceded him in death by a few days. Papa Garland took his first grandson by the hand and guided him through the gates of heaven on April 12, 2024.

Darrell was baptized as an infant at St. Paul AME Church, home church of his mother and grandparents. He cultivated sound Christian principles under the guidance of the Rev. T. P. Duhart, and dedicated Sunday School teachers like Delba Rankin. He served as an altar boy in his youth and was active in YPD programs. He looked forward to going on the annual Sunday School Picnic on Mr. Bynum Weaver’s bus. His other summer joy was the Masonic annual Labor Day Picnic on Snipes farm. In between those events, Darrell would spend his summers in Morganton, NC with his grandmother’s family. He loved spending that time in the country with his cousins, swims on Lake James, tending farm animals, Vacation Bible School and Shiloh Meeting picnics at his grandmother's home church, Shiloh AMEC.

He was affectionately nicknamed Darrell-the-Dynamo, and Darrell the Blue-eyed Monster by his mother’s friends. She often received calls informing Darrell had been sighted zooming down Windy Hill, or East Franklin Street on his tricycle. That was quite the journey from his childhood home at Roberson and Franklin streets. Darrell was deeply loved by neighbors of his Northside enclave. A. next door neighbor in particular - Mrs. Bessie Cordell, cared for him as a toddler. She kept an assortment of goodies in her pantry and freezer labeled with his name. Ma Bessie, was the grandmother of Katrena B. Horton, wife of our late Presiding Elder, Larnie G. Horton, Sr. Katrena and her sisters, Markethia, Bessine and Charmain frequently received Ma Bessie’s wrath for eyeing his treats.

Darrell relocated to New Haven, CT in 1969 with his mother to join her new husband, Melvin. He attended Lincoln-Basset Community School and played trombone in the marching band. He cultivated a love for ice hockey while living there and played on youth league teams.

Darrell relocated back to Chapel Hill in 1979. He played all sports at Culbreth Middle School, excelling in basketball. After Culbreth, he attended Chapel Hill Senior High School. As a teen, Darrell was a junior lifeguard at the A. D. Clark pool at Hargraves Community Center.

Darrell sharpened his culinary skills working as a cook at UNC Hospitals. He later found his true passion in landscaping. He became a horticultural expert and landscape artist. He managed Dickenson’s Garden Center on E. Franklin for many years, and later started his own landscaping business. He continued working and sharing his gift for cultivating most anything grown from soil until his health no longer permitted. One thing he never stopped doing - was to get in a good day of fishing.

Darrell’s greatest love of all was his daughter and grandchildren. His daughter Ranada, his baby-girl, was his light, his joy and his proudest accomplishment. His first grandchild, Bryan, Jr., was his Buddy, his pride and his joy. If you wanted to see his entire face light up, mention his granddaughter, Nalah. His heart would sing in her presence. He was her Poppy and protector.

Darrell lived his last years with his beloved godmother, Esphur Foster. Far more than a godmother, she was his champion, his inspiration, a source of encouragement, a safety-net and confidant. Esphur poured her love and wisdom into him when he needed it most.

Love never dies. A memorial service, an obituary, and all of traditional the last rites rituals can ever express the meaning of a life that mattered, a soul that was loved, and will always be loved. Darrell Jerome Foushee mattered. He mattered to all who loved him. To all who he touched. To God be the glory for his life and for sharing him with us for 63 years. Rest well sweet Durky...Rest well.

Darrell was preceded by his mother, Eunice Delores James Farrington, stepfather, Melvin Clifton Farrington, Sr., maternal grandparents, Jacob Monroe James and Minnie Lee Cuthberton James, paternal grandparents, Garland Foushee and Osa Mae Trice Foushee; brother-in-law, Albert David Green, Jr.

Darrell leaves to cherish the memory of his big heart, a sister, Arminta Denise Foushee (Geoffrey H. Simmons). Their sibling love for each other grew stronger each day they grew older. They took care of each other and depended on one another. Arminta advocated all causes for him and will find a huge void in her heart without him. father, Alfred Louis Foushee; daughters, Ranada Auntrice Hester (Bryan, Sr.), and Caroline Blackwell; grandson, Bryan Everette Hester, Jr.; granddaughters: Nalah Priscilla Hester, Rhianna Lunsford, Erica Lunsford; aunts, Marlou Jean Pippin (James Merritt), Deborah Gracy-Tucker (Ronald); Great-aunt, Hattie Ruth Dennis; great-uncle, Rev. Norris N. Trice (Lovie); nephew, Christian Jacobi Foushee-Green; devoted godmother, Esphur Eudine Foster; god-sister, Chartie Booth Parrish (Douglas); Surrogate Auntie, Charley Foster Norwood; cousin-like-a-brother, Gregory Earl Norris; fur babies: Foster, Coco, Lyric, and Bowie, and the deer he fed in the yard from his hands; a host of Cuthbertson and Foushee descendent relatives, cousins and friends.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Chapel Hill, NC