The Shreveport Times

Obituaries

Friday, January 30, 2009

Mrs. Lena Bell Jones Durant

MANSFIELD, LA - Homegoing services commemorating the life of Sister Lena B. Jones Durant will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 11 A.M. at the Eastside COGIC , 301 Willard St. under the pastorage of Elder E. James Dock. Officiating will be her pastor, Minister Richard D. Whitaker. The call from God was given for Sister Durant to depart this life on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the DeSoto Regional Hospital in Mansfield.

Sister Durant joined the Elizabeth Baptist Church at the age of 4 and remained faithful until marriage. Upon being united in holy matrimony to the late Thomas J. Durant, Sr., she united with the Shiloh Baptist Church of Mansfield. She loved her church and worked diligently toward helping to pay for the new edifice. She served as president of the Mission Department and sang in the Senior Choir until her health prevented her from doing so.

Sister Durant epitomized a woman of faith and courage and worked hard to educate all of her seven children. She loved children and encouraged them to always do their best. Because of her God-given wisdom, she became known as the "Family Matriarch".

Sister Durant was preceded in death by her father, mother, three sisters and eight brothers.

She is now at peace resting in the redemptive love of our Lord Jesus Christ. She leaves to cherish her memories seven children: Mattie Williams (Silas), Dorett Williams (Albert), Glenda Heard (Larry), Willie Curtis Durant, all of Mansfield; Myrtis Sims, Oler V. Melton of Dallas, Texas and Thomas J. Durant, Jr. (Annie) of Baton Rouge, LA; grand children, great grand children, nieces, great grand nieces, nephews, great grand nephews, sister-in-laws; god-given children Rev. & Sister A. B. Jones and Sherry Durant, many other relatives, friends and the Shiloh Baptist Church Family.

The family extends heartfelt and sincere thanks to: Drs. L. Dillard, Jeffery Evans and the entire staff of DeSoto Regional Hospital, Louisiana Home Health Care and staff, DeSoto EMS Staff, Doris Fant, Dora Austin, Theo Alexander, Thelma Allen, Penny Colbert, Tonie McCoy, Ola Ross, Priscilla Street, Debbie Williams, Allegiance Medical and Staff and all others that assisted with mother's upkeep.

Public Visitation-Friday, January 30, 2009,12:00-4:00 P.M. Final Viewing-Saturday, January 31, 2009, 10:00-11:00 AM, Eastside COGIC, Mansfield.

Jenkins Funeral Home in charge.