Mary Etta Darden, age 83, of Valrico, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home on June 22, 2026, surrounded by her family and her best friend. Born on December 5, 1942, in Tallahassee, Florida, Mary Etta was the beloved daughter of Uldine and Adolph Tate. Mary Etta lived a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and creating a welcoming home for all.
Mary Etta will be remembered as the perfect hostess and prayer warrior, always opening her home and heart to family and friends. She was kind and generous, and her devotion to her family was unwavering. The memories she created and the love she shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She shared a special bond with each member of her family. She was a gardening partner to her son, Todd; a shopping sidekick to her daughter, Tina; and a second mother to her son-in-law, Phil. She was a trusted phone pal to her grandson, Bryon; a devoted sports fan alongside her grandson, Justin; a movie-watching buddy to her grandson, Tyler; and loved making “Ryan’s Chicken” for her grandson, Ryan, when he was in town. She was always available for lunch and games with her dear friends and treasured them all. She shared a special bond with her niece, Alden, over coffee chats and phone calls.
Mary Etta was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Robert Franklin Darden, affectionately known as Bob. Together, they shared a love of golf, travel, flowers, and watching cardinals. They loved playing games with friends and never missed an opportunity to spend time with their grandsons.
In addition to her husband, Bob, Mary Etta was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Linda, and her daughter-in-law, Diana. She is survived by her son, Todd Darden of Valrico, FL; her daughter, Tina Pogorzala (Philip) of Valrico, FL; her four grandsons, Bryon Robley (Jenna), Justin Pogorzala, Tyler Pogorzala, and Ryan Fisk; her great-grandson, Oliver Darden Robley; her brother, Dalton Tate (Donna); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her love, encouragement, and steady presence enriched the lives of those around her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Bell Shoals Church, 2102 Bell Shoals Rd, Brandon, FL 33511. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Choices Crisis Pregnancy Center, located at 619 Eichenfeld Dr., Brandon, FL 33511, where Mary Etta regularly volunteered.
Previous Events
Visitation
11
Jul
2102 Bell Shoals Road
Brandon, FL 33511
Celebration of Life Service
11
Jul
2102 Bell Shoals Road
Brandon, FL 33511
