Rev. Joseph Darby Jr., SC Civil Rights Activist, dies at 74
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Reverend Joseph Darby Jr., Civil Rights Activist has passed away at the age of 74.
Darby was a leader in civil rights in the state, being the First Vice-President of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP and former First Vice President of the South Carolina NAACP.
Rev. Darby attended South Carolina State University and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina. The Columbia native was raised in the Wheeler Hill community.
Congressman Jim Clyburn released the following statement via X on the passing of Rev. Darby, saying, “I’m deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend, Reverend Joseph Darby, Jr.” Clyburn continued by saying, “Reverend Darby was an extraordinary and gifted man — a community leader, servant, and a faithful man of God. His career has been marked by selfless service to others that comes not only from his dedication to the ministry, but his innate passion and compassion.”
According to a Facebook post by his son, Jason Darby, he passed away peacefully Friday night, one day after his 74th birthday.
In the post, Jason Darby says, “A dedicated servant of God, he was a respected pastor to many African Methodist Episcopal Churches for the past 48 years, including Piney Grove AME (Gaston, SC), Pleasant Spring AME (Columbia, SC), Pine Grove AME (Columbia, SC), St. Philip AME (Eastover, SC), Morris Brown AME (Charleston, SC), presiding elder of the Beaufort District of the AME Church and his most recent service as pastor of Nichols Chapel AME (Charleston, SC).
Dad’s ministry was not confined to the pulpit. He carried it into every room he entered, every cause he championed, and every life he touched. His sermons stirred hearts and souls, but his actions stirred change. He taught us that faith without works is hollow, and that love (especially for the marginalized) is the highest calling.
To us, he was simply “Dad.” And to his grandchildren Jax, Zora, Naomi and Julius, he was their beloved “Papa Joe.” As sons, we were shaped by his integrity, his humor, and his fierce commitment to doing what was right, even when it was hard. He challenged us to think critically, to speak boldly, and to serve humbly. His legacy lives in our choices, our convictions and the families we raise.
To our extended family and the congregations he served, we share your grief and your gratitude. You were his joy, his mission, and his extended family. He prayed for you, fought for you, and celebrated you. We thank you for loving him in return. As a leader, he wasn’t just a figurehead but also a guide, a mentor, and a friend to so many. His wisdom and kindness touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us who were blessed to be part of his journey. We take comfort in knowing that his life’s work will continue through the seeds he planted in the hearts of those he served and loved. We also find peace in the knowledge that he is now resting with his wife, our mother Mary Bright Darby.
Our father was a 15-year colorectal cancer survivor, and we encourage those with a family history or symptoms to seek screening.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find solace in knowing that his life was well-lived and his impact will continue to resonate. We are grateful for the outpouring of love, support and memories you have already shared during this difficult time.
A celebration of his life will be announced soon, as we honor the legacy of a man who gave so much to the world and to us. We love you, Papa Joe, and we will carry your memory in our hearts forever.
The Darby Family
