
Darnell, Fulton’s longest-serving commissioner, dies at 84
District 6 Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell, who served her south Fulton constituents since 1992, the longest of any sitting commissioner, died peacefully at her home.
Jessica Corbitt-Dominguez, a Fulton spokeswoman, said the 84-year-old commissioner, who had not attended a board of commissioners meeting since Jan. 23, said her death was due to an undisclosed illness.
Darnell was a staunch advocate for the constituents in her district, which included Fairburn, Palmetto, Chattahoochee Hills and Union City. According to District 4 Commissioner Natalie Hall, Darnell was an advocate for seniors and the poor.

From left, gathering at the June 2018 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Behavioral Health Center at the South Fulton Service Center, are River Edge Behavioral Health CEO Shannon Terrell Gordon, Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson, county Commissioner Emma Darnell, county Chairman Robb Pitts, county Behavioral Health Director and Developmental Disabilities Director LaTrina Foster, department Program Manager Charles Releford and county Real Estate and Asset Management Director Ellis Kirby.
“Commissioner Darnell always spoke against social injustice, inequality and discrimination,” she said. “She was a true servant leader.”
District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis said Darnell was a vocal and long-term advocate on many issues, particularly those related to seniors.
“I appreciated her passion for the issues she cared about and will miss the witty nature and banter that she brought in our debates on issues,” Ellis said. “She had a long tenure of service and impact and will be missed by many.”
Prior to her election to the board, Darnell served as an official with the city of Atlanta in the 1970s and, in that position, crafted the city’s first minority business plan. She also worked as a college professor.