Elder Darnell Fletcher

Obituary For Elder Darnell Fletcher

Elder Darnell Fletcher
June 8, 1947 — March 28, 2026

Our Heavenly father records that Elder Darnell Fletcher was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Darnell was the standard bearer of the family that he and his devoted wife, Victoria created through their loving union.

Darnell passed away on Sabbath morning, March 28, 2026, with his family near him. Darnell was born on June 8,1947 to his parents Willie Fletcher and Mamie Hanserd in Athens, Alabama. Darnell was the eldest of six children. He grew up in Athens and received his early education in the public schools. Darnell graduated from Trinity High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, Darnell was drafted into the United States Army. After serving in Central America and the Panama Canal Zone, Darnell earned the Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14) Medal, The National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He earned the rank of SGT (T) and was honorably discharged at the pay grade of E-5 in 1968.

Darnell moved to Nashville and attended Tennessee State University, before enrolling in Daymar College, where he earned his associate's degree in business in 1972. On April 6, 1970, Darnell married the love of his life, Victoria Harlan. Darnell passed away nine days before their 56th wedding anniversary. Darnell and Vicki were blessed with the births of Tameka and Quinton. Who in turn blessed their parents with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In 1970, Elder Charles D. Joseph baptized Darnell under a tent during an old-fashioned tent effort near the Meharry Blvd Seventh-day Adventist church, which later became Hillcrest. Darnell was the true example of what service to the Heavenly Father looks like. He sang in the Ebony Ensemble, which was the breakout choir of gospel music in the Adventist church.

Later, Darnell became an ordained Elder. He served his pastors, church members, and the community with his calm and reflective demeanor. Darnell was always requested to provide grieving families with meaningful words of comfort. He always told the family interesting facts about their loved one and their family. He sprinkled his words to them with relevant scripture in just the right places. Darnell became the Comforter in Chief for the congregation and the community at large. Everyone relied on his faithfulness, and he did not let anyone down. He lived his belief in Christ Jesus. He was a walking example of Matthew 25 to all he impacted. Darnell met and accepted people as they were. His main mission in life was to bring people to Jesus.

Darnell enjoyed life. He loved to sit outside, see nature, and work in the yard. He loved to take road trips throughout the country and to visit family. Washing cars was another favorite pastime of Darnell’s, working at the Titans’ football games and attending Tennessee State Football games and other sporting events was exciting for him. A cherished recent memory includes the joy Darnell experienced as he witnessed his son, grandson, and other family members participate in Victoria’s Sabbath School focus during Divine Worship—a moment that brought him great fulfillment.

Throughout his life, Darnell served the Lord, his family, and his community. He was employed by Act Fast Medical Courier delivering medication to medical facilities. He later became a licensed security officer for Contemporary Services and the Whelan Event Services. In 2004, Darnell took the admirable step of becoming a substitute teacher for the Nashville Public School System. Working in the classroom, while teachers were away required patience and quite a bit of understanding. Eventually, Darnell took these gifts and began to work with scholars as a paraprofessional who needed one-on-one assistance. Darnell was able to empower these scholars to embrace learning in their own unique way.

Darnell ‘s grandparents, Louis Hanserd and Florence Penn Hanserd Stanley; parents, Willie Fletcher and Mamie Hanserd; Uncles, Willis Stanley, James Stanley, and William Stanley; Aunts Winnie Ruth David, Reva Stanley, and Edna Fletcher preceded him in death. Darnell was also preceded in death by his parents in love: George W. and Millie Harlan, Sr.; his brothers in love, Pastor John (Vivian) Brown, Melvin Harlan, George W. (Margie) Harlan, Jr., and Milton (Jo Ann) Harlan.

And now, as the Writer of Redemption brings the life chapter of Elder Darnell Fletcher to an end, He remembers those who are left to cherish his memories: His loving wife Victoria; children Tameka Blackburn and Quinton Fletcher; his brothers James L. Hanserd and Clifford Hanserd, Sr.; his sisters, Florence Hanserd, Phyllis Henderson, Sharon (Michael) Harper, Susan (Alonzo) Long; his sister in love, Joyce (Cleveland) Houser; his brothers in love, Preston (Hattie) Brown, Dr. Cleveland (Joyce) Houser; his aunts Annie (Robert Earl) Malone, and Leona Stanley; his eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and the Hillcrest Church family.

“Darnell has fought a good fight; he has finished his course. He has kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give him at that day: and not to him only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” ~II Timothy 4:7-8

Visitation:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026

9:00 - 10:30 am (Central time)

Funeral Service:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)

Hillcrest Seventh-day Adventist Church

2010 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Interment:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery

7931 McCrory Lane, Nashville, TN 37221

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