Lee Ann Darden's Obituary
Lee Ann Darden was born on July 28, 1937, in Buckhead, Georgia. On December 18, 2025, she peacefully transitioned at home, surrounded by love, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of strength, elegance, faith, and unconditional devotion to her family.
Lee Ann was the cherished daughter of the late Harvey Lee Edwards, Sr. and Mattie Mae Edwards. She received her education in the Buckhead School District and later relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, in the early 1960s. Atlanta became her lifelong home—the place where she built her life, raised her children, and formed bonds that would last a lifetime.
For 42 faithful years, Lee Ann worked at Piedmont Hospital, where she was known for her dependability, dedication, and strong work ethic. She never wavered in her commitment to family and was a woman you could always count on.
Lee Ann was admired not only for her strength and love, but also for her signature sense of style. Her high heels clicked with confidence, and her love for red and black reflected her bold spirit and grace. She carried herself with pride and taught those around her to hold their heads high, no matter what life brought their way. She was the heart of her family—a mother and grandmother, in every sense of the word. Strong yet nurturing, protective yet gentle, and selfless in all she did. Her love knew no limits. Her home was a place of comfort, her presence brought peace, and her spirit held generations together. She was the foundation of her family and the glue that bound them with love.
Lee Ann shared a beautifully close and cherished bond with her sister, Eva Mae George, who was truly her lifeline and constant companion through life’s joys and challenges. Her brothers—Albert, Harvey, Marvin, Milton, and Calvin Edwards—were her devoted protectors, always ready to stand by her side and lift her up. Their unwavering love and steadfast support were the foundation of her life, and she treasured these lifelong relationships with all her heart.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Harvey Lee Edwards, Sr. and Mattie Mae Edwards; her sister Eva Mae George; her brothers Albert Edwards, Harvey Lee Edwards, Marvin Edwards, Milton Edwards, and Calvin Edwards; her sisters-in-law Lillie Jean Edwards, Betty Rose Edwards, Brenda Joyce Edwards, and Donna Gayle Edwards; her sons Gary Stalnaker and Dennis Stalnaker; and her precious granddaughter Nyyokokie Henley.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted daughters, Cynthia Stalmaker and Carlethia Stalmaker; her treasured grandchildren: May-Zari Stalnaker, Gary Stalnaker, Monica Scott, Latasha Leonard, Dennis Jackson, Brittany Smith, Lukesha Jackson, Kuishion Stalmaker, Bob Stalmaker, James White, Jemial White, and Nigel Stalnaker; along with 20 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. While she would have loved to name each of you individually, please know that every one of you held a special place in her heart. In her eyes, you were all her favorites.
Lee Ann will lie-in-state on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 12 noon in the Chapel.
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