Nell Jean Lusk McDarris

ASHEVILLE -   Nell Jean Lusk McDarris of Asheville passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida.

A native of Transylvania County, she was the daughter of Mickler Russell Lusk and Lola Owen Lusk.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Eugene McDarris and brother, Charles R. Lusk.

She attended elementary and high school in Transylvania County.  At the end of her senior year in high school, she was chosen to represent her county as Miss Transylvania.

In the Fall of 1947, she enrolled as a student at Berea College, Berea, Kentucky.  She always remembered many memorable experiences at Berea, living as a freshman in James Hall, working in the college library, being a member of the May Court, and meeting the love of her life, her husband, Robert.

At Berea, she earned a B.S. degree in science and completed an intermediate teaching certificate in mathematics.  She taught at Weaverville Middle School for thirty years and three years with Buncombe County Special Services before retiring.

She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville since 1956.  She served as Sunday School teacher, church librarian, circle chairman, and on the women’s council.

As a charter member of Alpha Phi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International for fifty years, she presided as president from 1974 to 1976.  A member of the Wednesday Study Club since the early 1960s, she served as secretary and president.  Through the years, she has been a volunteer for The Literacy Council, Red Cross, Senior Meal Site, and Asheville Symphony.  As a hobby, she and her husband, Robert, collected and restored antique cars, violins, and furniture. 

She is survived by a son, Charles Russell McDarris and daughter-in-law, Jeanne Gardner-McDarris of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.  She is also survived by three nieces, Brenda Hollis, Cindy Cook and Lisa Lusk; three nephews, Charles F. McDarris, Mark Buckner and Robert Lusk; her church family; and many dear friends and former students. 

There will be a graveside service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 15, 2022, at West Memorial Park, 40 Roberts Street, Weaverville.  Mrs. McDarris will be available for viewing from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 14, 2022 at West Funeral Home. The family will not be present.

 A Celebration of Life will be held, after the graveside, at 2:00 p.m., in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 30 Alabama Avenue, Weaverville. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall following the Celebration.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Weaverville, PO Box 247, Weaverville, NC 28787. 

For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mrs. McDarris’ obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.