VICKI LYNN (BOTTS) DARNELL

Vicki Lynn Botts Darnell, age 71, passed away surrounded by love on December 29, 2025. She was born on January 10, 1954, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to the late Herbert and Mattie Botts.  Vicki was married to Michael Darnell, her loving husband of 42 years. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.
Vicki devoted 28 years of her career to the Montgomery County Board of Education, where she touched countless young lives. Known affectionately by her students as “Mrs. D,” she was admired for her kindness, patience, and deep love for children.

A woman of strong faith, Vicki was baptized at Greater First Baptist Church in Sharpsburg, KY but later became a devoted member of High Street Christian Church in Mt. Sterling. She generously shared her musical talents as a pianist and choir director, roles she cherished and fulfilled with joy and devotion.

Vicki was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Mattie Botts, and her brothers, Herbert Anthony “Tony” Botts and Timothy Botts.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Darnell; her children, Michelle Hunt of Arlington, Texas (Theresa) and Christopher Darnell of Cincinnati, Ohio; her bonus daughter, Andrea Jones of Lexington, Kentucky; and her beloved granddaughter, Myari Malan, who was truly the apple of her eye, her baby sister Jennifer Botts of Fishers, Indiana and brother in law Jack Darnell; her beloved uncle John Botts, her best friend since elementary school Wilnetta Pleasant, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vicki had an endless love for children and animals, and her gentle spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Vicki’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Lexington Humane Society.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.
Officiated by Darrell Hayden.

Burial to follow at Olive Hill Cemetery, 823 Spencer Pike, Mt. Sterling, KY.

Services entrusted to the care of Herald & Stewart Home For Funerals, 1002 Woodford Drive, Mt. Sterling, KY  40353