Jewell Atteberry Darst was born on April 25, 1930, to Bessie Maude (Carnes) and Otto Franklin Atteberry and she passed from this life on April 26, 2025 in Duncan, Oklahoma. She grew up in the Standing Rock and Wards Chapel area surrounded by a large extended family and graduated from Atoka High School in 1948. Those early years developed in her a love for gardening, quilting and enjoying a small tight community. She was married to Clifford Darst in Hobbs, NM. They had 56 wonderful years together before Cliff passed away. The portrait used in this obituary is from about 75 years ago. The day before Jewell passed Doc, Sam, and Vonda got to spend Jewell’s 95th birthday with her. Maybe she heard some of the stories and memories they shared, as well as the tears, laughter and love. The next day Jewell had another birthday, but this one is with her Savior. Now she is singing, laughing and dancing with her husband, parents, siblings and dear friends. Jewell touched many lives. From working as a soda 'jerk' at Cates drug store, a seamstress at Debbie Ann, a typist/ clerk at DHS, manager of a home health business, office manager at Atoka Chamber of Commerce, and a Pink Lady at Atoka Memorial, she loved people. She loved talking, helping and just being around people. She shared Jesus often and loved a funny story. She especially loved teaching preschool at church and at Elks Crossing. The children and Bible study were her favorite parts of each day.

Jewell was preceded in death by her husband and great grandson Simon Nelson. Mike Darst, Jewell and Cliff’s oldest son, died just a couple of months before Jewell, but he lost his wife Becky many years before. Jewell also was preceded in death by her parents and all of her siblings: Olen Denton Atteberry, Letha Kennedy, Ozella Atteberry, Nora Garrett, Elma Breger, and Drunell Adams. She had out-lived way too many friends and family and she grieved their loss.

Jewell’s legacy continues through her children: Vonda Miller; Trelia Heise and husband Michael; Clifford (Sam) Darst and wife Linda; Robert (Doc) Darst and wife Arlinda; Walter (Skip) Darst and wife Gail; and Glenda Carnesfix and husband Steve. Jewell was also blessed with numerous grandchildren: Douglas Che Miller, Mary Joanne Heise Larsen, Jennifer Heise Saylor, Kristy Heise Hatcher, Ryan Darst, Lindsay Darst Nelson, Kaitlyn Darst Montgomery, Hayden Darst, Matthew Parker Darst, Ben Copeland, Bryn Copeland, Mishel Gass, Kay Morgan and Shane Campbell. Her family continued to grow with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Jewell is also survived by sister-in-law, Sue Tate and husband Pete and brother-inlaw Bob Darst.

In April of 2023, Jewell moved to Duncan, Oklahoma, to be closer to her son Sam and his family, including greatgrandsons Logan Darst and Josh Nelson. Also residing in Duncan were Jewell’s grandson Dr. Che Miller and his family— great-granddaughters Ava and Ruby Miller. In 2024, Vonda also relocated to Duncan to be near her mother. During this time, Jewell made many cherished friendships while living at Elks Crossing Assisted Living Home. Jewell June Darst’s long life was a testament to resilience, love for family, and enduring connections across generations.

DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Friday, May 2nd, 2025 PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma OFFICIATING: Rev. Joe Chapin and Clay Edwards INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma CASKETBEARERS: Che Miller, Ryan Darst, Hayden Darst, Ben Copeland, Bryn Copeland, Patrick Montgomery CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: [email protected]. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE FAMILY NIGHT IS THURSDAY 6-8PM SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF BROWN’S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK