A Final Thank You from Darius to his Mother Subject: A Special Thank You Hel1o mama, I know that I may not be the best son, and I defmitely am not one of the best people in the world; however, I rea11y try harder than it may seem to appear. I just wanted to take this time and opportunity to say that I am really glad that you are my mother. You have done so much for me throughout the years, and you have always been there for me even when I may not have deserved it. I just want you to know that I rea11y appreciate a11 that you do for me. I also want you to know that I love you very much, even though I do not say it enough, and I am not sure if I will ever be able to express the love I feel for you in words. You are the best. I love you! Love Darius Peace and Blessings CELEBRATION OF LIFE for Thank you to all our friends, church family, and loved ones who have called, visited, listened, and provided support during our time of bereavement. This also includes Darius' friends in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. areas. Jewels and Partners Sunday School Department (Young at Heart) Keith Wilson and the Majestic Choir The Sanctuary Choir The Ligon/Hurd Family Funeral Arrangements Hope Funeral Services (404) 366-1111 (770) 461-9222 Sunrise April 25, 1963 Sunset July 29, 2014 Saturday, September 6, 2014 11:00 A.M. BEN HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2099 FAIRBURN ROAD, SW, ATLANTA, GA 30331 REVEREND BYRON E. THOMAS, SENIOR PASTOR REVEREND BELINDA MCCASTLE, ASSOCIATE PASTOR OFFICIATING Q;)fJffia6 ~) fi?/:z([5J(r:? ~ was born to Ralph and Malentree (Melody) Hurd Ligon in Wichita, KS on April25, 1963. His family moved to Atlanta, GAin 1970. Darius attended Northside High School in Atlanta and was a member of the Governor's Honors Program. He was also in the marching band while at Northside High School. He attended the University of Georgia, and received dual degrees in German and Psychology. He was a member of the Red Coat Marching Band while attending the University of Georgia. Subsequently, he attended Georgia State University where he received a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. After receiving his Masters Degree, Darius taught school in several locations including Marbut Elementary School in Lithonia, GA. Darius also worked as aGED Instructor at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation in Alexandria, VA. At the time of his death, he was a GED English and Math Teacher for Alexandria City Public Schools in Alexandria, VA. Darius enjoyed working with children and received many accolades from several parents and students who stated that he made a difference in their lives. Darius wrote several grants for many organizations that were approved by Governmental agencies. Darius was an avid reader, loved to write poetry, and loved to travel. However, when he was on vacation, he continued to work. He would receive calls from his job and his students and would proceed to work out conflicts with the students while on his vacation. Darius loved working in the church. He worked with several ministries in the church in Atlanta and the Washington, D.C. areas. While in Atlanta, Darius was a member of Ben Hill United Methodist Church and was a tenor in the Sanctuary Choir. Darius was ordained as a Minister on February 5, 2012 in Virginia. Darius was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Ligon and his maternal and paternal grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted mother, Malentree (Melody) Ligon; two sisters, Nichole L. (Sheldon) Noel, and Laurie B. Ligon of Virginia; uncles, Winford Hurd (Barbara) Kansas City, MO, Jerone Hurd (Kathy) Ventura, CA, L.C. Ligon (Cora) Phenix City, AL, Ike Ligon, Willie Ligon, Jr. (Lulu), Albert Ligon (Decatur, GA); two aunts, Katherine Thorton and Betty Jean Ligon of Decatur, GA and many beloved family and friends. PRELUDE PROCESSIONAL MUSICAL SELECTION SCRIPTURE PRAYER OF COMFORT ''Soon and Very Soon" Majestic Choir Ben Hill United Methodist Church Old Testament Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 New Testament 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Minister Brenda Benefield Ben Hill United Methodist Church Minister Sheila Stephens Ben Hill United Methodist Church MUSICAL SELECTION Majestic Choir Ben Hill United Methodist Church REFLECTIONS (3 minutes) Michael Thompson Johnnie Simmons Dr. Andre Hcrynes Roommate/Classmate (Univ. of GA) Church Family Cousin OBITUARY MUSICAL SELECTION WORDS OF COMFORT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS RECESSIONAL (READ SILENTL}j Majestic Choir Ben Hill United Methodist Church Rev. Belinda McCastle, Associate Pastor Ben Hill United Methodist Church "Coin' Up Yonder" Nichole Ligon Noel (sister) Repast BHUMC Fellowship Hall