News Summary

The Laurens community is grieving the loss of three cherished residents: Margie Craine Townsend, Ed D. Darnell, and Kimlerlin Darlene Cannady Wells. Each of them left a significant impact on their families and the local community, with memories that will be treasured forever. Their contributions and legacies are honored as loved ones come together to celebrate their lives and the influence they had on those around them.

Laurens, SC – The community is in mourning as it remembers the lives of three beloved residents who passed away recently: Margie Craine Townsend, Ed D. Darnell, and Kimlerlin Darlene Cannady Wells. Each of these individuals played a significant role in their families and local community, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting impact.

Margie Craine Townsend

Margie Craine Townsend, aged 97, passed away on July 17, 2025, at NHC in Laurens. She was the loving widow of J.R. Townsend and a lifelong resident of Greenville, SC. Margie was the daughter of the late Clarence and Mae Johnson Craine.

Throughout her career, Margie worked in the textile industry, retiring from Laurens and Watts Mill. Her dedication extended beyond her professional life; she was an active member of Welcome Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, prayer chain coordinator, choir member, and was involved in the bereavement committee.

Margie is survived by her son, Tony Wade Weathers (Marlene), and a loving family that includes her grandchildren Jennifer Gregory, Tracy McNuer, and Sean Burns, along with her great-grandchildren Elaina “Nikki” Weathers, Tony Keith “T.K.” Weathers, Summer Patterson, Ashton Burns, Sloan Gregory, and Austin McNuer. Additionally, she had great-great-grandchildren Colton Patterson and Max Burns. She was preceded in death by her daughter Evelyn Weathers and sisters Ann Kirk and Sarah Montgomery.

Her funeral service will be held on July 21, 2025, at Welcome Baptist Church, beginning at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Welcome Baptist Church.

Ed D. Darnell

Ed D. Darnell passed away peacefully at home on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. He was the beloved husband of Mildred Langston Darnell. Ed was born on May 30, 1943, in Greenville, SC, to the late Alex F. Darnell and Mamie Proctor Darnell.

Ed retired after many years of dedicated service at Northern Tool and Equipment. He was a well-known personality in local music circles, having played in a rock band named “Four Chance’s.” Additionally, his love for the outdoors was evident through his enjoyment of hunting and fishing. He contributed to his community as a member of St. James United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his sons, Jeremy Darnell and Jason P. Darnell (Ashley), along with grandchildren Avery Elliot, Austin Darnell, Ashleigh Siegel, and Jaxon Darnell. He was preceded in death by his son Joseph Smith and siblings Cecil Sayers, Barbara Smith, and Sandra Weaver.

Funeral services were held on July 18, 2025, at Gray Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Rev. Clyde Scott. Burial was conducted privately, and memorials can be made to a charity of choice.

Kimlerlin Darlene Cannady Wells

Kimlerlin Darlene Cannady Wells, affectionately known as Kim, passed away on May 26, 2025, in Easley, SC. She was born on April 13, 1964, in Laurens, SC, and was the daughter of the late Thomas Edwin Cannady and Mary Ann Bramlett.

Kim is survived by her husband Landy Rea Wells and their children April Dawn Wells (Justin Spence) and Timothy Rea Wells. She is also survived by her siblings: Rob Wells, Terry Glenn Cannady, Gary Dean Cannady Sr., and Thomas Eugene Cannady. She was preceded in death by sisters Cathy Jean Simmons and Carol Beaman, as well as brother-in-law William Wells.

Kim spent her early career as a retail manager before becoming a small business owner. She had a passion for crafting and was an avid fisher who cherished her time spent in the mountains. Known for her caring and generous spirit, Kim had a profound and positive influence on many lives, leaving a loving legacy behind including her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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Additional Resources

• Legacy: Margie Craine Townsend
• Wikipedia: Margie Townsend
• GoLaurens: Ed D. Darnell
• Google Search: Ed D. Darnell
• Cremation Society of SC: Kimlerlin Cannady Wells
• Google Scholar: Kimlerlin Cannady Wells
• Legacy: Phyllis Pitts Fleming
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Margie Townsend
• Uecker-Witt Funeral Home: Lauren Uecker
• Google News: Kimlerlin Cannady Wells

Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON

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