Barbara Sellers Darden

Hampstead- Barbara Sellers Darden - 8/10/1941-3/30/2026 Barbara was born in Selma NC. Her parents were Lessie Murphy and Thurman Selles.

She is survived by husband of 66 years Charles Darden, daughter Beth Velthoven, husband Mark, grandson Darden Velthoven, sister Peggy Madsen, husband Ken, sister-in-law JoAnne Phillips, husband Larry, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by brother Randy Sellers and sister Linda Creech.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00pm at Swansboro UMC. She will be intombed at Seaside Memorial Park following the service at the church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Barbara graduated from Selma High School in 1959 the same year she started working with Nationwide Insurance. She held various secretarial positions, was active in the National Secretaries Association, serving a term as president of the Raleigh chapter. Barbara was promoted to Sales Administration Manager with Nationwide, becoming the first Nationwide female manager. She moved to Swansboro in 1989, taking over the Ben Licko Insurance Agency. Barbara became actively involved in Swansboro civic activities. As some of her activities she initiated the first Project Graduation Program in Swansboro High School, was one of the three original Swansboro Chamber of Commerce members, was a member of Swansboro Rotary serving as president one year and always participated in town civic functions. Nationwide recognized her with the Corporate Service Award for outstanding community service. Barbara and Beth started a second insurance agency in Hampstead, NC in 1993. She worked for more than 62 years in the insurance industry. In 2024 Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey presented Barbara "The Order of The Guardian" in recognition of her exemplary commitment and service to the community and the insurance industry. Barbara would appreciate donations to her favorite charity - the Faith Community Methodist Church building fund, PO Box10999, Wilmington, NC 28404.

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