Pastor Nobles Charles Darby III

OBITUARY

Pastor Nobles C. Darby, III, a native of Detroit, Michigan, began his earthly
journey February 24, 1962, in Brooklyn, New York. The second eldest of four
children, he was born to parents Dr. Nobles C. and Rev. Emma L. (Tarpley) Darby.
He was a man whose vibrant, kind, loving spirit and steadfast faith touched the
lives of many. He entered into rest, completing his earthly assignment on March
19, 2025.

Pastor Nobles was a devoted husband to his wife of 40 years, C. Annette Darby,
and a loving father to his son, Nobles, IV, and daughters Tanela and Tyresha. His
family was the cornerstone of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with
them. He was especially proud to be “Pop Pop” to his grandsons, Coen and Nobles
V (Cinco) and granddaughters, Iyla and Kai. His role as a husband, father and
grandfather was one he held with the utmost pride and commitment.

Pastor Nobles often shared the scripture his late father and Pastor quoted to him for
years, Romans 12:1-2, which he said ushered him into his call to the Preaching
ministry and eventually, the Pastoral ministry. He knew no strangers and spoke of
the Lord to all he encountered. In particular, he readily shared his story of triumph
in the many health battles God had brought him through. He bore a surgical scar
on his chest which he referred to as “God’s signature on his life.” It was a weekly
practice for him to devote hours each week individually extending himself to
different ones, encouraging, counseling and mentoring. He was many things to
many people, which was reflected in the wide-range of affectionate nicknames he
was given, based on the specific relationships he cultivated with those who knew
him best. He always concluded a conversation with family and friends by saying,
“I Love You.”

A lifelong learner, Pastor Nobles had a passion for knowledge. He spent years
studying Criminal Justice at the collegiate level, while also pursuing what became
a lifelong pursuit, which was many years committed to Theological Studies. His
educational pursuits were not just for personal advancement but were integral to

his vocation and calling. For more than a decade, he served as Associate and then,
Assistant Pastor alongside his parents. Pastor Nobles’ dedication to his faith and
deep love and passion for winning lost souls culminated in his role as the founder
and senior pastor of Triumph Ministries in Garfield Heights, Ohio. For nearly 12
years, he shepherded his congregation with love, wisdom, and a deep sense of
service. Additionally, as a promise to his late father & Pastor, Dr. Darby, he
committed to “giving back” for all the years of spiritual and leadership
development he had invested in him; both through weekly counsel as well as
Pastor Nobles’ attending the Center for Theological Studies, founded by his late
father. His promise to his father led to Pastor Nobles founding Darby3Legacy
Training & Development Center, that focused on the leadership development of
both laypersons and ministers.
Pastor Nobles also served his country with honor and distinction. His eight years in
the U.S. Army, including time served during Desert Storm, were marked by his
receiving accolades such as the Army Service Ribbon and the National Defense
Service Medal. His military service was a testament to his strength, patriotism, and
the courage he carried into all aspects of his life.
His courage in the face of his health challenges led to him being asked to serve as a
Patient Educator to 1 st year Medical Students at the renowned Case Western
Reserve University School of Medicine, in Cleveland, Ohio. For three consecutive
years, Pastor Nobles was invited to share his health journey, as well as his faith,
where he eloquently brought to light the intersect of faith and medicine, helping
medical students, as well as practicing physicians to see “the patient” as “the
person.” In his last days, waves of both medical and non-medical staff surrounded
him, holding his hand, thanking him for the impact he had on their lives personally
and professionally.
Beyond his family and vocation, Pastor Nobles loved dressing well. His favorite
color was black, and his wardrobe reflected this in many variations, combined with
a variety of other eye-catching colors and designs. He was also a man who loved
life and embraced fun in all its forms. One of his most beloved traditions was the
annual family visit to the County Fair, a testament to his love for family and
tradition.

Pastor Nobles' life was one of unwavering faith, service, and joy. He was a beacon
of light who guided many through their darkest times with his unshakeable belief
in the power of grace and redemption. His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will
forever remain a part of those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of his
journey.
We celebrate Pastor Nobles C. Darby, III, for a life well-lived and a journey well-
traveled. His impact on his family, his church, and his community is immeasurable,
and his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Pastor Nobles has
left an indelible mark on those who truly knew him. Though he will be deeply
missed, we take solace in knowing that his spirit and his legacy will continue to
guide and inspire for years to come.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Lady C. Annette Darby, children,
Nobles C. Darby, IV (wife, Hadassah), Tanela J. Stewart (husband, Paris), Tyresha
B. Sanders (husband, Terrayl), four beautiful grandchildren, mother, Rev. Emma
L. Darby, siblings Naja A. Robinson (husband, Tyrone), Daryl Darby, and Sonya
D. Howell, and a great host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends,
along with his congregation whom he loved with all that was within him.
He is preceded in death by his father and mentor, Rev. Dr. Nobles C. Darby.

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