Darnell Nash Sidberry was born on March 25, 1968 to the late John Nash Butcher and Catherine Sidberry in Washington, DC. On Monday August 16, 2021 he entered into his glorious rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

As a child, Darnell shared his life with his twin brother, his forever best friend with whom he enjoyed creating mis- chief and being adventurous. Darnell had a magnetic personality and was extremely outgoing, intuitive, and caring; he showed love to strangers and truly had a “heart to help”. Darnell was always eager to learn new things; he was a fast learner. One of the earliest skills Darnell learned was electrical work from his father, John Butcher. His father instilled in him early on the importance of being a hustler and a “go getter”, and he was just that.

 

In his younger years, Darnell attended Emery Elementary School where he met the future love of his life, Melita Cooper. As a young man, Darnell attended Langley Junior High School where he brought his athletic and competitive spirit to the basketball court; he would never turn down a challenge. Darnell went on to attend McKinley Technolo- gy High School in Washington, DC where he displayed his athletic abilities on the football field and later graduated. He later attended Penn Center to take on trades. It was during this time where the life lessons his mother, Cathreine Sidberry instilled in him such as: always protect your brother and sisters, never run from a fight, and to “stand toe to toe with life and whatever it throws at you” guided him into adulthood. Darnell would go on to reside briefly in the city of Suffolk, Va. Where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at Faith House of Refuge Ministries. Darnell loved the Lord and knew the word of God; that was his foundation and strength.

 

In 2016, Darnell gained employment at Verizon where he absolutely loved his Verizon family. He built long lasting relationships with colleagues that made his job very enjoyable. Darnell accomplished whatever he set out to do. He was compassionate, honest, loving, protective, a provider and wise beyond his years. He had a charismatic personality that was displayed by his contagious smile. His style and confidence were truly undeniable. His infectious laugh and humorous spirit could make you laugh even if you weren’t in the mood to. But, even

with all the jokes and laughter, Darnell was truly a “no nonsense” kind of man. His presence in the lives of those he loved was enormous and immeasurable. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.

 

Darnell was preceded in death by his father John Nash Butcher, maternal grandparents, Walter Sidberry and Effie Sidberry (who he was extremely close with) sister, Terri Nicole Butcher.

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Darnell is survived by his wife, Melita Cooper, mother, Catherine Sidberry, his uncle, Eric Sidberry (Delores), his twin brother, Dion Sidberry, his sisters Shar’ron Sidberry, Trese Snipe (Fred), and Wendy Alexander (Andre). Five children Brittney Palmer, Darnell Palmer, Shykeila Hayes, Richard Sidberry, and Josiah Sidberry. Three stepchildren, India McKinney, Sharmayne Williams (Paris), and Zakiya Cooper. Special friends Scottie Latimore and Sabrina Woodfork. A host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.