The life lived by Nicole Elizabeth Darnell mattered. She was born on July 12, 1982 to Patricia "Twinkie" Cole Darnell and LTC (Ret) Jerry M. Darnell, Jr. She reached her angel wings far too soon on January 24, 2022, having lost her long struggle with mental illness. Her inner light shone brightly, and will continue to shine through all who knew her.

Douglas Adams once said "To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money…." Nicole exemplified the meaning of serving with a heart of gold. From an early age, she captured hearts and lit up rooms, her vivacious spirit spreading boundless energy, light, and love wherever she went. She loved all God's creations: children, anyone in need, and animals were all special to her. Quick to offer a helping hand and listening ear, flashing that heartwarming smile and twinkling eyes, so like her Mom's. Nicole's life touched many. Giver of the best bear hugs, Nicole's dedication to improving the lives of those less fortunate helped so many.

After moving to Huntsville, Alabama, she volunteered many hours at Manna House and the Huntsville Dream Center. She spent nine months at the Lovelady Center in Birmingham, Alabama, a non-profit dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives and walk forward with faith-driven hope for their future. Nicole's stay at Lovelady helped her reach her hard won and cherished sobriety, and continued to motivate her volunteer work.

For all who have asked how to honor her life, your support of any of those causes so near to heart would thrill her. Nicole would ask that you show kindness, spread love, and treat every person you encounter with His Grace and Mercy. Make them feel heard, and always let people know you love them, and that their life matters. Your voice might just be the one they need to hear to believe it. If we can save just one family from such incredible loss, pain, and anguish by bringing awareness to this silent epidemic, our beloved Nicole's death will not have been in vain. We cannot afford to lose another light. Mental illness is a disease, not a choice. Shine your light for Nicole and for all who still fight this battle.

Nicole is survived by her mother, Twinkie, and Father, Jerry Jr.; brother, Jerry M. III and his wife Tracey Darnell; grandfather, Jerry M. Darnell, Sr.; uncle, Chris and aunt Angel Darnell; cousins, Christopher Darnell, Ashley and Justin Taylor and their son, Lane; four legged child, Deucie.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Roscoe and Elsie Cole, and Shelby Darnell.

The family is being cared for by Berryhill Funeral Home. Friends and family will gather in a Celebration of Life on February 12, 2022.

Contributions in memory of Nicole may be made to: HSVdreamcenter.org, Mymannahouse.com, Anewleash.org, and Loveladycenter.org