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Rosemary Durant Obituary
Rosemary J. Durant
1941 - 2010 PITTSFIELD Rosemary J. Durant, 69, of BerkshireTown Apartments, 176 Columbus Ave., formerly of John Street, Pittsfield, died Friday morning, April 30, at her home.
Born in Pittsfield, March 8, 1941, daughter of Lloyd and Helen B. Frye Morehead, she was a graduate of Pittsfield High School. She later continued her education and in 1997 graduated from the University of Massachusetts where she earned a bachelor's degree in human services. Her community involvement included the Christian Center, Adult Day Health, Head Start and Berkshire County Extension Services. For 25 years, working alongside her husband who was the Executive Director of The Christian Center, Mrs. Durant served as the Program Director. She saw to the needs of the poor, the homeless, the sick and shut-ins, and those in despair, whether it be with a hot meal, warm clothing, medical care, or a safe place to stay, always ministering with a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, a smile to comfort, or words to uplift and encourage.
Following retirement from The Christian Center, Mrs. Durant was a social worker with the Adult Day Health program. She was a member of Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church and devoted wife of the pastor, the Rev. Willard H. Durant. Mrs. Durant was the recipient of many awards and accolades, including developing three small businesses within the West Side Community; however, she always gave glory to God for her accomplishments.
Mrs. Durant leaves her husband, the Rev. Willard H. Durant, whom she married Aug. 16, 1958. Besides her husband, Mrs. Durant leaves six sons, Phillip A. Durant of Plano, Texas, Willard M. Durant of Cranston, R.I., Eric M. Durant of Pittsfield, Mark A. Durant of Adams, Tyus O. Durant of Washington, D.C., and Victor A. Durant of Pittsfield; two daughters, Dawn E. Carthon of Pittsfield, and Faith Durant of Pittsfield; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as four brothers, Donald Morehead of Seattle, Wash., William "Bill" Morehead of Detroit, Mich., Melvin Morehead of Lenox, and Bruce Morehead of California; and a sister, Jeanette Miller of Amherst.
Mrs. Durant was predeceased by a brother, John Morehead, and a sister, Elizabeth "Tubby" Caesar.
FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 5, at 3 p.m. at the Second Congregational Church with the Rev. Leonard C. Comithier officiating. Burial in Pittsfield Cemetery will be private. Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at DERY FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield, MA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Durant may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires in care of the funeral home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rosemary Durant
Stacia WRIGHT
December 12, 2022
Stacia WRIGHT
December 12, 2022
Stacia WRIGHT
December 12, 2022
Stacia WRIGHT
December 12, 2022
I remember when Rosemary moorehead came to me as I was on my up to minister the word of God and by songs. Rosemary asked me can you get and really be that free ? And I did answer her. Yes I said to her but by spirit and truth of the trinity and his word.
Bernice T. Peters
May 21, 2010
To Will and my nieces and nephews, I wish to express my sorrow for your loss.
Linda Green
May 14, 2010
Rev.Durant and family,my prayers are with you every day.And you know there is one more beautiful angel up there to join all our loved ones.She will hold their hand and be there for them when there all looking down on the ones that loved them so dearly
Delores Powell-Norris
May 13, 2010
My prayers and thoughts are with all the family. I belatedly learned about Rosemary and share in your sorrow at her passing. Dee Powell Norris (Forest Hill, MD)
Kristin Coyne
May 12, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Dawn and family. You have an angel and guide now to protect and hold you through all your lives, she will be with you.
L.B.&Willeen Austin
May 11, 2010
To the Durant Family, We are sorry to hear of your loss! May God grant you the strenght to get thru this difficult time!
Chris Raney
May 10, 2010
To the Durant family your mom will be missed she was a wonderful lady
Angela Powell
May 8, 2010
Mrs Durant will be missed but the memories will continue to live on. Your family are in my prayers. Mrs. Durant is now an angel
Martha Carthut
May 8, 2010
I was proud of the Durants' when they were honored in the 4th of July Parade a few years back. I was touched with a lump in my throat that went to tears in my eyes. Over the years I have witnessed their witness of love of God and their fellowperson. The community has lost a very special prescence.My prayers are with Pastor Durant and Family. Thank you for giving to the Lord.May He give you strength.
Martha Carthut
Rachel Fletcher
May 7, 2010
Dear Rev. Durant and family,
My sympathy and thoughts are with you for the loss of Mrs. Durant. I only knew her in passing, but her spirit and grace impressed us all. Your devotion to her, and hers to you, was so very evident. And her dedication and service to the community was profound. She leaves behind a much better world for her efforts.
EJ & Linda Smith
May 7, 2010
Rev. Durant and family,
My condolences on the passing of one of the most beautiful and caring women I have ever met.
I can hear the Lord saying as he greets Rosemary, "you have been a good and faithful servant, welcome to my home."
God bless Durant family and I pray the Lord will give you strength during this most trying of times.
Erin Murphy
May 6, 2010
Tyus & Victor
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry for your loss of your Mother.What a wonderful woman she was.
Think of all the many good times you had shared with her.
Walt Henderson
May 6, 2010
Dawn & Family
Dawn I'm so sorry to here about your mom ! My prayers are with you all and may all your wonderfull memories of her help you through these tough times of sorrow.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL !
Dee Gardiner
May 6, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a fantastic woman. Mrs. D, as she was known by many, will always be special to anyone who's lives she touched. Someday I will tell my daughter, Rosemary, & my son, Kenneth Willard, all about the great, God loving, respectful people who they were both named after.
Until we meet again Mrs D, rest in peace.
Stephen White
May 5, 2010
Reverend Durant and Family,
what a blessing to have Rosemary there in my younger years. She made an impact in my life. thanks Rosemary, until we meet again.. look forward to praising the LORD with you again !!!
much love to all of you
Megan Whilden
May 5, 2010
Dear Rev. Durant & family,
I feel so lucky and honored to have known Mrs. Rosemary Durant. Her intelligence, love, strength, good humor and commitment to what is right shown through so strongly. I wish for each of you that her love will continue to burn brightly in your hearts all of your lives. We were so fortunate to have her with us.
With love and respect,
Megan
laurynrenee anselment/scott
May 5, 2010
to the durant family ive known the family for a very long time i think i was 11yrs old mrs durant looked after me alot i know i will miss her so very much im very sorry for your lost please email me if you all want to
May 5, 2010
Rev. Durant & Family;
Mrs. Durant is at rest with our Father now. We know that you and you family have found peace with this. We will continue to keep everyone in prayer.
With much love
and respect;
Willie & Donna
May 5, 2010
To the Durant Family, Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Mrs Durant was a wonderful God fearing Woman and we will miss her. All our Love. Rev. Surgest and Emily Aker, Madison, AL.
cindy and Jane Hand
May 5, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
sheerece adams
May 5, 2010
although you are gone you will never be forgotten you touched alot of lives in berkshire count i looked at you as my second grandmother i will miss you always and forever i will see you someday in a better place
Geneva Ledbetter Maguire
May 5, 2010
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. May GOD show you strength and courage to see you through this time of sorrow.
Janine Demary
May 4, 2010
Mrs Durant you were a wonderful caring person you will be missed.you meant alot to our family.R.I.P one day will meet again.
Renee Marshall
May 4, 2010
I am so sorry to hear that Rosemary passed. I got to know her at Springside. She was a joy ,,, and was always so optimistic... I adored her. My thoughts and prayers are with your entire familly. This county will miss her. Renee Marshall
Janine Demary
May 4, 2010
Mrs Deurant you were a wonderful caring person you will be missed very very much you will always be in my heart R.I.P my loved one.One day we will meet again.
DENISE PETTIT -PAGLIARINI
May 4, 2010
ME AND MY FAMILY ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOUR FAMILY WAS OUR FAMILY WE LOVE YOU GUYS AND ALWAYS WILL AND REV.DURANT U AND YOUR FAMILY ARE STRONG STRONGER THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE ME BEING AND I LOOK UP TO YOU FOR THAT YOUR FAMILY ARE GOOD ROLL MODELS FOR THE COMMUNITY THANKS TO YOU AND THE FAMILY FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR ME AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU ALL
LOVE ALWAYS THE PETTIT FAMILY
The Goines Family
May 4, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Kesia Richards
May 4, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Ray & Barb Jackson
May 4, 2010
Dear Rev. Will Durant,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,and your family.We often have warm memories of the two of you,doing Gods work. May your heart rejoice in the loving memory of such a wonderful Lady. God Bless You.
Peter Williamson
May 4, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of sorrow - Pete and Aprille Williamson
Christine Williamson
May 4, 2010
To the Durant Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of grief. Mrs. D will be missed as she has touched so many of us throughout the years. God bless you all!
Kweli Ya-Saleem
May 4, 2010
Dear Rev. Durant and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies and condolences. She leaves a void throughout the Universe, as she was a bright beacon for all of us. We know where she is. She's dancing around the throne room of God and I hope she gets a jig or two in for me.
Love always and forever,
Rev. Kweli Ya-Saleem
T'Harka
Cynthia Kaley-Guyette
May 4, 2010
Mrs D,
You were always a bright light to everyone.When I told you what people were saying about me being a single mother,you told me don't worry about other people just raise your kids the way GOD wants you to. I still have the card you gave me when Rev D baptized my boys Tristan and Travis. You were a blessing to me and many people.
Rest in Peace dear lady,you deserve it.
teresa bigelow
May 4, 2010
AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WOMEN, WE WILL NEVER FORGET HER, MAY THE ANGLES WATCH OVER HER, ALL OUR LOVE THE BIGELOW FAMILY, AND OUR MOTHER MRS. BIGELOW,
Peter Williamson Jr.
May 4, 2010
I have always wished I have returned back to Pittsfield MA more often to see many of my family members. I am VERY sorry to have not gotten back soon enough to have given my love and said hello to my Durant family. My prayers go with all of you during this time.
Ava Mungin
May 4, 2010
Mrs. Durant was a wonderful inspiration. I drew alot of personal strength from her and I will carry on in my heart the kind words she would share with me. May God continue to Bless this one of a kind Family. Your always in my heart.
Mike & Vicky Bisgrove
May 4, 2010
We are sorry for your loss. Rosemary was a wonderful woman. We were blessed to know such a wounderful person and we will always remember her.
Rick & Sheri Mickle
May 4, 2010
To Rev Durant & Family;
We are praying that the Lord will comfort you in your loss - for you know that your loss is His glory. We have been blessed to know you all, and you have been part of important times in our lives as well as the lives of many others in this community. Mrs. Durant's memory and legacy will live on in our hearts and minds. Love and live on as she would want you to.
Wuane Johnstone
May 4, 2010
Reverend Durant and Family,
Bereavementn is so personal that few of us, unless we have experienced it ourselves, can comprehend its grief. Your wife and mother, Rosemary was loved by all of us who worked with, and knew her. Her pleasant vitality was a continuous inspiration. I hope that the caring expression of others will lessen the sorrow that you bear.
Sincerely..
Pat Sullivan
May 4, 2010
Rev. Durant and family: When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
kerry williamson
May 4, 2010
my heart is heavy today for all that are left but joyous in the knowlege that her work here on earth is done and she now sits with our lord and savior. thank you mrs. durant for all the encouragement given to so many including myself.
May 4, 2010
Dear Dawn, Seth, Arial, and Mr. Durant.
We are so sorry. We remember sitting at the kitchen table with you and your mom many moons ago, but friends are forever.Love to all. Colleen and Evan
Barbara Hampton-Barclay
May 4, 2010
I worked with Tyus, here in Washington, DC. He is such a bright, and ethical young man that I know his parents are somewhat responsible for the wonderful young man he has become.
My thoughts are of all of you as you celebrate the life of Rosemary, wife and mother and expression of love and caring for her community family.
Charles Harrigan
May 4, 2010
Aunt Bonna you will be missed.
Angela Armstrong
May 4, 2010
Dear Reverend Durant and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the death of dear Mrs. Durant and I extend my sympathy. She always had a kind word and a warm smile. When she asked how you were, she was genuinely interested in knowing. She always had words of encouragement. She will be missed, but fondly remembered. God Bless you and your family.
Richard Powell
May 3, 2010
To the Durant Family
Rosemary was a major member of our Village. Her tireless work and loving care for other Village members put her fondly in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her or received help from her along the way.
The Lord has taken her into the Kingdom of Heaven and we can hear him say. Rosemary your work on Earth is done please join me in eternal peace and rest. You have made my Village Heaven on Earth for all you have served. Job well done…
Julie Johnson
May 3, 2010
We were so blessed to have Rosemary in our community our families and hearts.
Julie Johnson
May 3, 2010
We were so blessed to have Rosemary in our community, family and hearts.
Roberta Nolan
May 3, 2010
Reverend Will Durant and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Rosemary was a lonetime friend of mine. I have known her and her family all my life. I am truly sorry.
Bernadette Williams
May 3, 2010
Reverend Durant and Family.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs.Durant. She was a kind and wonderful woman. She was truly a gift of God, one to be cherished always.
Diane Richards
May 3, 2010
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
May 3, 2010
may god help you in your very sad time she is looking down on you may she be home with god a friend
Hank Richards
May 3, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Pam Johnson
May 3, 2010
I have never had to pleasure to meet Mrs. Durant, but as a colleague of her son, Tyus, I have heard many wonderful things about her as a mother and teacher from Tyus's memories of his youth. I only hope my sons recall such memories from their youth.
My prayers are with your family during your time of loss.
Sincerely,
Robert Melle
May 3, 2010
Dear Rev. Durant and Familly, Rosemary will always be in our hearts and she has given so much of herself to so many people. Our family offers you our deepest sympathy. Bob and Bev Melle
noreen stanton
May 3, 2010
Wonderful, wonderful woman. You were so blessed, and so were all who came to know her.
Sue (Johnston) Powers
May 3, 2010
Reverend Durant & Family
My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I will always remember going to the Center & seeing Mrs. Durant. Where ever you saw her, she always had a kind word. She will surely be missed by the community.
B K
May 3, 2010
My sincere sympathy to all the Durant family, But I know she will be greeted with the beautiful open arms of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for sharing your lovely wife with all of us on earth here. See will be missed a neighbor
Alyson Beach-Weatherwax
May 3, 2010
My very deepest sympathies to the Reverend and his family. She was a wonderful, loving woman. May God give you peace until you meet again.
eric/chris hassan
May 3, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Rosemary Crawford-Smith
May 3, 2010
My sincere sympathy and condolences to the entire Durant and Morehead families. May God grant you comfort, peace and guidance through this difficult time.
Sarah Richards
May 3, 2010
To Rev. Durant and Family
My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time I will always remember the smile on Mrs. Durant face when you both came in to the Big Y and always brighten everyone day and when we see both of you riding bye you all made sure that wave and had big smile on your faces. she will be miss deeply my god bless you and your entire family members at this time of sadness
May God Bless You All
Michelle Jones-Lopes
May 3, 2010
To the Durant Family ,My heart and prayers go out to you all because of your lost .your mother was a angel sent to us all ,with kindness her understandung and her love for everyone and eveything in this .world.your mother gave hope when there was'nt any.I know my family will truely miss her because she was family ! we send our love and prayers to your family in hope to comfort you and your family.if you need anything please let us know ,and thank you for sharing your mother with the world !Gode bless you and your family !
May 3, 2010
Michael & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of grief.
"the Legacy Banks Employee Association"
Shelley French
May 3, 2010
Mark and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve. May your memories bring you happiness and comfort during this hard time.
Tara (Hubbard) Littleton
May 3, 2010
To Rev. Durant and Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayers in this time of great sorrow. Mrs. Durant was a kind and sweet person and she will be sorely missed.
Dennis Powell
May 3, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Linda & Spider Green
May 3, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Rosemary's passing,my prayers are with her family.Rosemary was the back bone of the westside community,Her and Rev.Durant have done so much for the people here.I will miss her dearly.As she put it we were all family.id volenteer work at the christian center under her for 3 years it was such a joy to work with her.god got a very sp;eical angel this time.R>I>P Rosemary and take care of my Stacy up there for me.If I can help in any way please contact me Rev. Durant or Dawn
Lavette Vail
May 3, 2010
To the Durant Family
My condolences to you all. Mrs Durant will never be forgotten, she touched many of lives, including mine, There are so many stories to be told on how great of a person she was and always will be, let those stories help you all through your time of grievence. We all have times to remember, The love, The laughter, The tears. Be Blessed.
Keith & Claire Caesar
May 3, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
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