Mary Penelope Darnell

Mary Penelope Darnell, affectionately known as Penny, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Clarksville, TN.

Celebration of Life will be held 11 am, Saturday, August 2, 2025 at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home with Pastor Freddy T. Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Penny was born in Montgomery County on February 15, 1943 to the late Duncan and Rebecca Osburn Crockarell.

Penny's academic journey began at Austin Peay State University, followed by a transfer to Peabody College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She dedicated over 22 years of her life to the noble profession of teaching, inspiring young minds as a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at several schools, including Barksdale Elementary, Bryns Darden Elementary, and St. Bethlehem Elementary, before retiring from Sango Elementary. Her commitment to education and the warmth she shared with her students left a lasting impact on countless children and their families and she will be remembered as a teacher with a loving, warm, and caring personality.

A devoted member of the Trenton Crossing Church of Christ, Penny's faith played a central role in her life, guiding her actions and enriching the lives of those she encountered.

Penny is survived by her cherished children, Whit, Eddy (Tiffany), Eve (Jason), Joy (Ben), Dawson, and daughter-in-law Shea, who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. She is also remembered fondly by her brother, Neil Crockarell, and her nine grandchildren, Kirk, Bracken, Cannon, Riley, Alec, Evie, Jana, Henry, and Breanna, who were her pride and joy.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Riley C. Darnell, with whom she shared over 57 years of marriage; brother Neil Crockarell and her parents, Rebecca and Duncan Crockarell. Penny leaves behind a rich legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Serving as pallbearers will be Whit Darnell, Eddy Darnell, Dawson Darnell, Kirk Darnell, Bracken Rice, Cannon Rice, Riley Darnell, Alec Darnell and Henry Bumpus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riley C. Darnell Legislative Internship Scholarship Fund P.O. Box 4417 Clarksville, TN, 37044. Checks made payable to APSU Foundation.

Online condolences may be left at www.navefuneralhomes.com