Laverne Durkee

laverne durkee
Funeral services for Laverne McCullough Durkee will be 2 PM Saturday, January 22, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Hughes Springs with Rev. Emmanuel Holloman officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park in Hughes Springs under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home, Inc. Laverne McCullough was born in Avinger, TX October 2, 1936 to Lutee (McCullough) Loudd and Ervia McCullough and passed away on Monday, January 17, 2011 at a Frisco, TX hospital. She was raised in Avinger by her parents, Johnnie and Lutee Loudd. She accepted our savior, Jesus Christ at a young age. Laverne attended school in Avinger and Hughes Springs where she graduated from Traylor High School. At 16 she enrolled at Prairie View A&M University where she earned a degree in Music Education. She and her Stepfather, Johnnie Loudd received their Masters Degrees (from Prairie View) at the same commencement in 1968. She married Ocie B. Peppers in 1957 and through this union four children were born; Edward Byron, Gary Lynn, Debra Denise (Necie) and Reginald (Reggie). She was later married to the late John Durkee of Marshall, TX. In addition to being a dedicated mother and wife, Laverne gave tirelessly for 33 years as a school teacher; mostly in the Hughes Springs School District. She also served as the Pianist for Liberty United Methodist Church for many years. After retirement, Mrs. Durkee continued to stay busy as a substitute teacher and with the joy of raising her grandson, Antaun Peppers. She never missed a Mustang football or basketball game and one of her proudest moments was attending his graduation from Southwest Missouri Baptist University in Missouri. In the spring of 2010 Mrs. Durkee relocated to McKinney, TX due to health reasons. In spite of failing health, this final season of her life was filled with the love and joy of children, grandchildren, activities with new friends, and most importantly, a rejuvenation of faith. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lutee Loudd (mother) Johnnie Loudd (step-father), Ervia McCullough (father), Edward McCullough (brother), Marva Williams (sister), Morgan Peppers (granddaughter) Edrick Peppers (grandson). She is survived by one Aunt, Frankie Beckman of El Paso, TX; sisters, Laura Morris of Hughes Springs and Ervietta Williams of Emeryville, CA.; Children Byron, Hughes Springs, Gary (Deena), McKinney, TX, Debra (Ronald), Hughes Springs, and Reggie (Alisa), Allen, TX; Grandchildren: Makesha Hatten, Phoenix, AZ; Antaun Peppers (Kimberlee), Independence, MO, Ashley Hatten, Little Elm, TX, Garrison Peppers and Chandler Peppers, McKinney, TX Reagan and Addison Peppers, Allen, TX; Great-grandchildren Madison Peppers and Isaiah Peppers, Independence, MO. Viewing will be on Friday, January 21st from 6-8 PM at the funeral home in Hughes Springs.

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  1. I had the honor of knowing Mrs. Durkee during my school years. She was a sweet woman who touched the lives of many students. Our prayers are with your family.J

  2. LaVerne's positive attitude and enthusiasm is reflected in her family. I know she is proud of all of you. I only regret that I can't come back home from Tulsa to celebrate her life.

  3. You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers during this very sad time. May God Give you all Peace and Love. Tempie Edwards-IrvinSarah Edwards

  4. LaVerne was a good friend and a valued co-worker at HSHS. I know and love many of you who are her family. Gene and I share in your sorrow for her passing.

  5. I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Durkee. I was privileged to meet her as she substituted for me a few times. She also joined me and my wife for several meals at Hawkins Restaurant in Daingerfield. She was a special person to me. I know she will be missed a lot.

  6. Your mom was one of the sweetest ladies we have ever known. Such a precious soul. Your families are in our prayers.

  7. Deepest sympathies. What a precious lady Mrs. Durkee was. One of Hughes Springs's finest, indeed. We're all blessed to have had her in our lives.

  8. Gary & Deena,So sorry to learn of your loss. Please take comfort in knowing that you will see your mother again some day.Derryl & Faye MitchellSouthfield, Michigan

  9. I met Mrs. Durkee in 1984 when I moved to Hughes Springs, and worked at the elem. school. I have very happy memories of our friendship. To all of the family, you are in our prayers. With Love, Sophia and Coach Brewer- longview

  10. Ervietta – my heart goes out to you, the loss of a sister leaves an empty space that can not be filled, although we continue to try to fill it with loving memories. May you and Laverne's wonderful children and other family members, find peace in remembering the great person she was, and all that she brought to your family.Love, your cousin, Denise

  11. So Sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family and all of her friends. Ms Laverne was loved by many. I too will miss her!

  12. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of .you today and always. Be brave, Hold your heads up. Our Heavenly Faather is in charge,

  13. Gary & Deena, Reggie & Alisa, Necie and all of you…our prayers are with you at this time. Laverne was a great lady who lived a full life. Heaven has received a blessing with her arrival.Wesley and Joanna Willard

  14. I am so sorry to hear of Ms Laverne's passing. She was a wonderful woman. She will be missed here on earth but a shining light in heaven. God bless the family during this time.

  15. So sorry to hear about your mother,she was a very sweet lady and I will miss her.May God be with all of you. Love, Penny

  16. We were so sorry to hear that Miss Laverne had passed away. But she has gone on to her glory, and what a shining star she will be in heaven! She was such a sweet and dear lady. She was my teacher and then I had the privledge of working with her too. She was fun to be around and I will always remember her smile and laughter.

  17. Reggie and Alisa, my thoughts have been w/you in this time of grief and I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

  18. Unfortunately, its been way too long since seeing my cousin, but I loved her dearly! My thoughts and prayers are with you Byron, Niecy, Gary, Reggie, Ervietta, and the grandchildren. I have beautiful memories of Laverne that will remain in my heart forever.

  19. Dear Ervietta,Curt and I are so sorry to learn of the loss of your beloved sister, Laverne. Please know that you and the Durkee family are in our thoughts and prayers.Love, your cousin,Carolyn Starling Spears

  20. Antuan,I didn't know about your grandma until today. I hope you realized your dreams and are living in a way that would make her proud. If you wish to contact me, call 903-756-3017 or write Katrina Sutton 2005 CR 1124 Linden, TX 75563


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