Grace Laverne Durden

Grace Laverne Durden, a beacon of love and laughter, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the age of 96 in Phenix City, Alabama.

A funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Ladonia Baptist Church with Pastor Greg Hyche officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the funeral service at the church according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Grace was born on November 10, 1928, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Chandler and Eva Chalkley, Grace was a lifelong embodiment of her given name, touching lives with her warmth and charm. early years were spent in Columbus, where she attended Baker High School, a place that nurtured her creative spirit and work ethic. After graduation, she joined the workforce at a local textiles factory, an experience that honed her skills and paved the way for her future endeavors. It was not long before she met and married the love of her life, Charles Durden. Together, they built a home filled with joy and raised two wonderful children.

In her role as a dedicated wife and mother, Grace's talents shone brightly. She seamlessly blended her career and family life, contributing to her husband's upholstery business with her exceptional skills as a seamstress. Her creativity was not only evident in her work but also in the beautiful flower gardens she cultivated with care. Grace's hands were rarely still, and her home was always a place of beauty and comfort.

Renowned for her pecan pies, Grace's culinary delights were a staple at family gatherings, bringing together loved ones with every slice. Her sense of humor was infectious, and she was always ready with a quip or a smile, earning her the affectionate nickname "Amazing Grace" from those who knew her best.

Grace's home was a hub of activity and laughter, especially when her children were home from school. She had a unique ability to turn the simplest moments into cherished memories, whether it was through the games they played or the stories she told. Her legacy is one of unconditional love and the joy of living each day to the fullest.

Those who knew Grace will remember her as loving, funny, and creative—a woman who embraced life's journey with grace and enthusiasm. She was a true friend and a guiding light to her family, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband, Charles Milton Durden; and son, Charles Joseph Durden.

She is survived by her daughter Debra Wyrick (Richard) of Phenix City; two grandchildren, Abigail Buch (Philip) of Phenix City, Joseph Chandler Jones (Esther) of Elgin, Oklahoma;and one great granddaughter, Catherine Isabelle Jones of Crowly Tx.