Martha Gwendolyn Cook Darnell

1949 - 2025

Martha Gwendolyn Cook Darnell ,76, passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at her daughter's residence following an extended illness surrounded by family.
Born in Ocilla, Ga., Jan. 29, 1949, to Ollie R. and George D. Cook Jr., Martha graduated from ICHS in 1967. She was an outstanding basketball player and member of the Future Homemakers of America, competing at the national level. Martha later played co-ed softball and was known for her slugging and infield abilities. She attended business school in Atlanta where she met her husband, Ned. Following Ned's deployment and subsequent homecoming, they married and moved to Uvalda, Ga., and started their family. Martha returned to Ocilla after Ned's death. She worked as the secretary of the Methodist Church for several years and became a foster mother. In 1987, Martha and the children moved to her husband's hometown of Clayton, Ga., where she remained for the rest of her life. Martha met and married Charles Darnell, Sr. shortly after relocating. She went to work for the tax assessor's office and then the housing authority. When Charles became ill, she left work to care for him, never leaving his side. After his death, Martha returned to the housing authority where she remained until she retired. Martha enjoyed her retirement, spending time with family and friends, traveling and gardening. Martha loved watching Georgia Bulldogs football and playing pranks. Her strong and unwavering Christian faith saw her through many trials. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was always ready to lend a hand. She was a force of nature in her own right.
Martha is preceded in death by her parents, George D. and Ollie R. Cook; her husband, Jefferson Davis (Ned) Beck III and her husband, Charles Lee Darnell, Sr.; and a special brother-in-law, Sam Beck.
She is survived by her children, Jefferson Davis (Jay) Beck IV (Jessica), Rebecca Beck Clark (Tim), and Keshia Wynette Darnell (Jeremy); grandchildren, Karlie Beck, Callie Darnell, and Carson Carver; brothers, George D. Cook III (Marilyn) and William Cook (Becky); a host of nieces and nephews and special friends, as well as her faithful canine companion, "the little devil dog," Daisy.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the nursing staff, especially Chelsea, Eva, Amy and Victoria, and Amedisys Hospice for the care they provided. Services were held Saturday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Antioch Methodist Church on Warwoman Road. The family will received visitors from noon-2 pm. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Antioch United Methodist Church.
Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Ga., is in charge of the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Martha Gwendolyn Cook Darnell. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
The Clayton Tribune
Dec. 25, 2025