Maurice Antonio Darden, Sr. left this earthly world to start his eternal journey on October 10, 2018. He was born in Newark, New Jersey to Linda W. Darden and Lawrence S. Ray on November 28, 1971. As a young child, he was very quiet and stayed close to his mother and grandmother. He was very intelligent and would study so well that you would think that he
was an expert in the subject. He enjoyed wrestling, listening to jazz and gospel music, and reading the Bible. He knew and studied the scriptures, often referencing scriptures when he spoke. In 1991, he along with his future wife, Shawnda Strobel, accepted Christ at Fairwood Agape Baptist Church. Although later divorced, Maurice and Shawnda, who was forever the love of his life, married on September 26, 1992. He also greatly loved his maternal grandmother, who participated in his care during his youth, and returned unconditional love to him. Maurice had a contagious smile, a jolly laugh, a firm stand for what he believed in, and a devout love for his family.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Annie Darden; his paternal grandparents, William and Mary Ray; three uncles; one aunt, and three cousins. Maurice leaves to mourn his passing his mother, Mrs. Linda W. Darden-Mateen; his father, Lawrence Ray (Helen); his step-father, James Mateen; one daughter, Eboni Andrews (Randall); four sons, Maurice A. Darden, Jr. (Amber); Michael Strobel, Shawn Strobel, and Cristian Darden; six grandsons, Malik, Mareon, and Mason Darden; and Jaylen, Cameron, and Tristan Andrews; four sisters, Latrice, Ebony, and Meisha Darden,
and Katrina Ray; two brothers, Sharif Darden (Danielle’) and Lawrence Ray, Jr.; six uncles, seven aunts, a favorite cousin, Robert Ferebee, who was like a brother to him; six nieces, three nephews, two great nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.
Some may feel that Maurice’s life was cut short by the explosive occurrence of gun violence. We do not know the number of our days, but we do know that Jesus gave His life That we all may be saved, and have eternal life. God knows the number of our days as He has placed us all on earth for a purpose. Perhaps Maurice ‘s purpose was to motivate us to speak and act towards the prevention of gun violence. Maurice, your work is done. You are free from the struggle of this world. You will be greatly missed.
Condolences(4)-
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Deli says
October 22, 2018 at 10:44 amI’m so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in Rev 21:4..soon sickness pain and death will be no more
James Mateen says
October 23, 2018 at 5:47 amI’ve known you for 45 years. I’ve witness your growth into manhood and now, I’ll never forget you nor stop loving you. We’ve had our disagreements, but we had always worked them out. I’ve promised to your mom and now I’m promising this to you, that I will not rest until we find out who it was who decided to play God. Rest in peace Maurice with your ancestors until we all see the glory of God. Love always, Your step-father, James.
Shawnda Darden says
October 23, 2018 at 12:47 pmI am so sad that this happened to you. I am thankful for all the time we had together and the beautiful family that we made. I know you are with The Lord now and your Grandma who is your heart.
May God comfort our family and loved ones knowing that when we accept Jesus in our heart we are sealed with the Holy Spirit.
Rest in His Presence .
Love always … Shawn (fat face)
Tracy M Cumbo says
October 23, 2018 at 4:27 pmTo The Darden Family,
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers…
Maurice was my classmate in elementary, junior high and high school. His jolly smile and telling jokes every time I saw him will be miss…