Renee (Martin) Darden

Funeral Service for Mrs. Renee Darden, 83, of Decatur, AL and formerly of Chicago, Illinois will be noon, Saturday at Fletcher Chapel P.B. Church. Inhumation will follow repast in Decatur City Cemetery at approximately 2:30 pm. The body will lie in repose one hour prior to service. Public viewing will be Friday from 1:00PM until 5:00PM at Reynolds Funeral Home. Ms. Darden transitioned January 16, 2025, at her residence. 

Renee Martin Darden was born on May 29, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lovey Mary, who tragically passed shortly after childbirth. Renee was lovingly raised by Jake and Maggie Martin, who both
preceded her in death. At an early age, Renee’s spiritual journey began at Third Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Elmer Fowler. Her devotion to her faith and community was unwavering, earning her an Appreciation Award in 1982 for her contributions to the Church’s Cultural Department. She remained a devoted member until relocating to Alabama in 2010, where she joined Fletcher's Chapel Primitive Baptist Church under Pastor Kenneth Lankford, Jr. Renee attended Hyde Park School in Chicago, graduating with honors alongside distinguished
classmates, including jazz legend Herbert Hancock. She was deeply inspired by her community and held a profound admiration for Aretha Franklin, in particular, “RESPECT” whose music resonated with her love of strength and grace. In 1955, Renee met the love of her life, Frederick “Fred” Darden Sr., and the two married in 1956, sharing 38 beautiful years together until Fred’s passing. Their union was blessed with two children, Frederick “Butch” Darden Jr. and LaVonne “Bonnie” Brown. Tragically, their son Butch preceded Renee in death. Renee and Fred were a pioneering Black business power couple, co-founding and managing several successful businesses. Among them were F&R Quality Cleaners, a laundromat and cleaners on 79th Street, and the103rd Street Washington Mini-Plaza, an all-Black managed shopping center in Chicago’s Roseland community. Renee’s entrepreneurial spirit was deeply rooted in her commitment to uplifting and empowering the Black community. In addition to her business ventures, Renee dedicated over a decade as a manager at Jewels. She also served as Vice President of the Classical Big Guys, a social organization that raised funds for youth initiatives, for 30 years. Renee had a vibrant personal life. She enjoyed traveling, playing solitaire and crossword puzzles, watching Murder She Wrote, and swimming with remarkable skill. On Thursday, January 16, 2025, Renee peacefully transitioned from her earthly residence to her heavenly home, reuniting with her parents, husband Fred, and cherished son Butch. Her legacy lives on through her loving daughter, LaVonne “Bonnie” Brown, and devoted son-in-law, Frank Brown; her grandchildren, Jeremy (Raquel) of Chicago, Quavonne, and Joshua “JJ” of Decatur; and her great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Jermia, Jada, and Arianna. Renee is also survived by her brother-in-law, Randolph Darden (North Chicago, IL), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Special thanks go to her three long-term caregivers, Doretha Fletcher, Mary Baggett, and Quavonne Brown, for their unwavering dedication and care.

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