Alma G. "Jewel" Darnell

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28


Alma G. "Jewel" Darnell, 74, of Kingsport, died peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, May 5, 2015.

Mrs. Darnell was a born-again Christian and served in the Ministry with her husband, Rev. Carl R. Darnell, for many years. They established Visions Free Will Baptist Church in Kingsport in the 1970's and enjoyed serving there for several decades. Mrs. Darnell graduated from King College with a degree in Business, but she will be affectionately remembered most for her expert culinary skills. She owned and operated several restaurants during her lifetime, including the Luncheonette Counter within Giant Food Market and Jewel's Luncheonette, both located in downtown Kingsport.

During the latter part of her career, she worked at Colonial Heights Baptist Church for many years as Food Services Manager, handling all aspects of the church's weekly meals, including meal preparation for the Daycare and Meals on Wheels.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Darnell was preceded in death by her parents, James Walter Gilliam, Sr. and Mollie Maybelle Gilliam, and two sisters, Lorraine Glover and Veralene Ray.

She is survived by her son, Chris Darnell and wife, Becky; daughters, Robin Cobb and Samantha Darnell; grandchildren, Jason Conkin, Tramara Helmick and husband, Whitney, and Seth Arnold; great-grandchildren, Tiahna Conkin, Hannah Conkin, and Josh Cody; brother, James Walter Gilliam, Jr.; sisters, Shirlene Lark and Angie Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm with Rev. Curtis Hurt officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

The family would like to express their thanks to the staff of Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Wexford House, and Amedisys Hospice for their kind and compassionate care for Mrs. Darnell.

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