Theauthor Darnell Tetterton, Sr.

Mr. Theauthor Tetterton, Sr.,  74, of Edward, NC, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025.

The Life and Legacy of Thauthor Tetterton

Theauthor Darnell Tetterton, Sr was born in Edward, NC to the late Willie Rufus and Viola White Tetterton. He entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2025, at Green Service League, Greenville, NC. Darnell (as he was affectionately known by family and friends) was a 1969 graduate of Aurora High School. Upon graduation, he migrated to Brooklyn, NY in pursuit of greater opportunities. 

On February 27, 1971, he married Dellar Moore and from this union were born two sons, Theauthor Darnell Tetterton, Jr and Chad Hugh Tetterton and one daughter, Trina Tetterton Johnson.

Darnell began his career in Brooklyn, NY where he became the manager of Phantom, a men’s clothing store. Many family members and friends can remember the blessings that Darnell provided throughout his time working at Phantom. While working as a manager, Darnell decided to enroll in cosmetology school, where he eventually obtained his cosmetology license. The haircuts, perms, jerry curls—whatever style you preferred…took on a life of their own. Darnell really enjoyed this stage of his career until June of 1984, when he decided to leave NY and relocate with his wife and children back to his hometown of Edward, NC. 

After returning to his North Carolina roots, Darnell’s career continued to flourish. Together, with the help and support of his wife Dellar, they established their own business, D & D Mini Groceries- the bright yellow building that cannot be missed as you travel down Highway 33 East. Throughout the years, D & D’s would become the gathering spot for family, friends, the community and those passing through—all of whom looked forward to stopping by to purchase convenience store items or gas, grab a burger or fish sandwich, or fellowship while getting a haircut, shooting pool or listening to music playing from the jukebox. Every July, he would barbecue a pig and invite everyone who dropped in to share a plate of barbecue. Since his early teens, he always enjoyed the benefits and independence working and earning his own money gave him. For 36 years, Darnell (alongside Dellar) worked diligently at D & D’s until 2020, when his health no longer permitted him to do so.

Darnell was an active member of St Anna Missionary Baptist Church in Blounts Creek, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Rufus and Viola White Tetterton; siblings: Orlando, Willie, Rufus and Noreen; and son, Chad Hugh Tetterton.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 53 years, Dellar Tetterton; son, Theauthor Tetterton, Jr (Jamilah) of Suwanee, GA; daughter, Trina Tetterton Johnson of Edward, NC; daughter-in-law, Roshedia Tetterton of Aurora, NC; 15 grandchildren: Theauthor III, Chadtrisha, Precious, Tishean, Rashay, Chadquan, Ava, Que’shon, Tre’quan, Laquavia, Tyrece, Chad Jr, Ramel, Omari & Camille; 16 great grandchildren; two brothers, Jesse Tetterton (Diane) of Winterville, NC and Lawrence Tetterton (Sandra) of Edward NC; two sisters, Judy Tetterton of Edward, NC and Mary Tetterton of Winterville, NC; three brothers-in-law, Ed Moore (Rita), Lloyd Moore (Darlene) and Reverend Edmond J Moore (Pamela); four sisters-in-law, Diane Tetterton, Inez Tetterton, Maria Cruz and Gwendolyn Tetterton; a cousin, Myron Moore of Brooklyn, NY of whom he considered his brother; close friends: William Carter, Robert Hill (Jackie), Bobby Jean McCabe and Danny Moore (Carol); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary & Cremation Services, 906 W. 15th Street Washington, NC 27889.

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