Oletha Durham's Obituary
Services for Oletha Durham, 82, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the First Missionary Baptist Church, 410 Scarbrough,
Lufkin, TX. Burial will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Visitation is Friday from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.at Colonial Mortuary.
Oletha Durham was born on September 7, 1936 to the parentage of Henry and Victoria McKenzie in Overton, Texas.
She attended Public Schools in Overton and Arp, Texas. The family relocated to Lufkin, Texas, where she later married Leslie Durham. Oletha was a loving person and was known to everyone as Ms. Pooh Pooh or Moma Dear. She worked as a Care-giver for many years. Oletha's livelihood consisted of her being a representative for Stanley, she served as a Foster Grandparent at Dunbar Primary. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, York Chapter No. 307. She was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church. She served as Missionary President and Secretary ofthe Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church and Bethesda Baptist Church. Olethajoined the church at an early age and was very active until her health declined.
Preceding her in death: Her husband, Leslie Durham; Daughter, Oleta Spencer; Parents, Henry and Victoria McKenzie; Sister, Vera Hawkins; Brother, Richard McKenzie.
Left To Cherish Her Beautiful Memories
Her daughter, Patricia Phillips; Son, Dean Durham; Seven grandchildren, Jerimie Phillips, Komeshia
Edwards, Kelvin Spencer, LaTanya Handy, Dean Durham, Jr., Timothy Spencer, Justin Durham; Twelve greatgrandchildren, Dominick Hall, Ashanti Handy, Kajah Phillips, Jeremiah Phillips, Dennis Handy, Christian Spencer, Kalyn Spencer, LaKayla Durham, Leslie Durham, Darius Spencer and Tashun Spencer, Sha'Destini Moore; Brothers, David (Jeanette) McKenzie, Michael (Linda) McKenzie, Preston McKenzie, John McKenzie all of Lufkin, Texas; Two aunts, Vera Mae Barnes of Richmond, California and Luvenia Dean of Daly City, California; Her brothers-in-law. Robert Durham (Ricky) of Dallas, Texas, and Leroy Durham of Lufkin, Texas,
Preston Hawkins, Sr. of Overton, Texas; Sisters-in-law, Creola Durham and Erma Jean McClain (Ben), Willie Mae Durham of Houston, Texas; Special cousin, Archie Barnes of Vallejo, California; A host of nieces and nephews which all held a very special part of her heart; Two special nieces, Sandra Smith and Carlus McKenzie.
"I have fought a goodfight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid upfor me a crown ofrighteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge shall give me that day; and not to me only. But unto all them that love His appearing.
11 Timothy 4:7-8
What’s your fondest memory of Oletha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Oletha?
Share a story where Oletha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Oletha you’ll never forget.
How did Oletha make you smile?