Johnie M. Darasaw

Proverbs 31 ¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. ²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. ³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. ³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

MRS. JOHNIE MAE (MURRAY) DARASAW, the elder daughter of the late Mr. Lloyd Murray and Mrs. Daisy James Murray, was born July 7, 1926 in Sumter, South Carolina. On Sunday, November 6, 2016, with Angels of the Lord waiting at the threshold, she entered into eternal peace while at home with her husband and a son near her bedside.

Early Years

In her early years, two pillars dominated young Miss Murray’s life. The first pillar was “Christian Faith.” Inspired by her mother’s commitment to service (Superintendent of Sunday School and the Director of Youth Programs at Union Station AME Church in Sumter, South Carolina) young Miss Murray enjoyed participating in Sunday School, Easter and Children’s Day Programs, Vacation Bible School and all other activities available to youth at the Union Station AME Church. In fact, the entire Murray household was intimately involved in all aspects of the church.

The second pillar of her life was “Education.”   She was greatly influenced by both of her parents to obtain a proper secondary education, which she completed in Sumter, South Carolina.

Young Adult and Family Life

After graduation from high school, the young Miss Murray moved to her uncle’s home in Portsmouth, VA to matriculate at the Norfolk Division, Virginia State College, NSC (Norfolk State University). She was the first in her family to attend college. However, she dreamed of pursuing a graduate degree.   Her daily commute to and from class included a ferry ride between Portsmouth and Norfolk with other young NSC students. While riding the ferry, a persistent, handsome and very fortunate navy man, Mr. Willie Darasaw, Sr., spotted young Miss Murray. After making inquiries about her with her classmates, Mr. Darasaw sought the company of young Miss Murray. After a two year pursuit, Miss Murray agreed to marry him and take his Darasaw name. They were united in marriage on May 26, 1946 at her uncle’s home. This year, she celebrated both her 90^th birthday and their 70^th anniversary. To God be the glory for this union.

Mrs. Johnie Mae Darasaw and her husband were blessed with three fine sons whom they loved and adored. The eldest son, Willie Darasaw, Jr., their second son, Lloyd Darasaw and their baby boy, Alphonso Darasaw were the joy of their lives. The young couple was diligent in instilling the same family values in their sons as those found in the Murray household.

Although family and work commitments slowed her dream of completing her college education, Mrs. Darasaw did not give up on her dreams. Almost fifteen years following her marital union and six years after the birth of their baby boy, she received a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from the Norfolk Division Virginia State College (Norfolk State University) on January 28, 1961. Longing to realize her childhood dream of a graduate degree, she continued her studies at Hampton Institute (Hampton University) earning a Master of Arts five years later on May 29, 1966. All of this was done while working and caring for three energetic sons and a husband.

Thanksgiving was her favorite time of year. During Thanksgiving, she enjoyed the fellowship of family and friends. Family and friends enjoyed the fabulous Thanksgiving meals that she prepared.

During most of their child rearing years, family vacations generally consisted of visits to their family homes in South Carolina and Georgia. After fifty years of marriage, their sons flipped the script with a surprise first cruise to the Caribbean. This trip sparked a great desire for continued travel.

Church and Community Based Affiliations

During her adult life, Mrs. Darasaw continued to actively participate in and lead church ministries serving at her Emanuel AME Church home.  She served as President of the Clara L. K. Bailey Area Women’s Missionary Society, Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society, President of the Churchill-Lee Women’s Missionary Society of Emanuel AME Church, President of the Keep In Touch Ministry, President of the Optimist Club of Emanuel AME Church, Leader of Stewardess Board No. Four, Sunday School Secretary, member of the Board of Christian Education and she was a member of both the Emanuel AME Church Chancel Choir and Adult Choir.

Also, Mrs. Darasaw actively participated in and led several community based organizations. She served as President of the local chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Incorporated– a professional organization of well trained and highly effective educators, President of Silver Strands Senior Citizens Club, Commander of Ladies Auxiliary of Disabled Veteran Club and member of the Eastern Star.

Professional Career

Mrs. Darasaw devoted her entire professional career to education within the Nansemond County Public School System. She began her career as a well liked and well respected elementary school teacher. Later in her career, she worked as a media specialist/librarian. She concluded her career as a Nansemond County Public School curriculum coordinator.

Transition

Mrs. Darasaw was blessed to have a loving husband. Even at 94 years of age, he demonstrated his love with all of his energy, heart, soul and mind doing all that he could to take care of her. It was particularly heartwarming to witness the love shared by this couple throughout the entirety of their marriage.   She leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband of seventy years, Willie Darasaw, Sr.; sons Willie Darasaw, Jr. (Dollie Huggins) and Lloyd Darasaw (Denise); sister Mildred Delores Murray; granddaughter Maya Darasaw; grandson Kimani Darasaw (Paula); great-granddaughters Kimberly and Julianna Darasaw and a host of other family members and friends. Her son, Alphonso Darasaw, went home to be with the Lord on September 2, 2012.

A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, 12 Noon at Emanuel A.M.E. Church, 637 North Street, Portsmouth, VA  23704.  Entombment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens and Mausoleum.  Viewing will be held on Monday, November 14th from 12 Noon to 8 pm at the funeral home.