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Rita Durham Obituary
Mrs. Durham was born January 24, 1927, in Savannah, Ga., to Ephriam Otto and Sallie Joe Sikes Kessler. She grew up in Rocky Mount graduating from Rocky Mount High School in 1945. She completed RN training at Rex Hospital in Raleigh in 1948. She worked as a nurse until her retirement from PCMH in 1982. She spent many years caring for her patients and as a nursing supervisor. After her retirement she gave much time to volunteer activities with the Greenville Service League.
She enjoyed reading, travel, needle arts and most especially spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her special joy. She was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church for more than 50 years. Rita was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be missed greatly by her large circle of family and friends.
Mrs. Durham was married to William Hicks "Bill" Durham Jr. for 46 years until his death in 1996. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, George Otto Kessler and Preston B. Carter.
She is survived by her sons, William Lee Durham and wife, Tracey of Hiawassee, Ga., Dr. Thomas W. Durham and wife, Anne of Chocowinity, and Daniel G. Durham and wife, Barbara of Roanoke Rapids; daughter, Joanne D. Baker and husband, Bruce of Greenville; ten grandchildren, Cynthia D. Sims, Brian W. Durham, William H. Durham, J. Michael Durham, Jennifer D. Smith, Joy D. Hafer, Daniel C. Durham, Jeffrey B. Baker, Melanie J. Baker, and Kristin R. Baker; and 13 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at Wilkerson Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cypress Glen Benevolence Fund, 100 Hickory St, Greenville, NC 27858, Greenville Service League Laughinghouse Fund, c/o Jeri Jackson, Chairman, PO Box 30452, Greenville, NC 27833, or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Durham
1 Entry
December 28, 2010
Rita and I met in December 1990 when we delivered Christmas food baskets together for the Service League. I knew right away what a very special and kind person she was. I'm so happy I was fortunate enough to have known her. Sending sincere sympathy to her entire family.
Roz Ahrens
Greenville, N.C.
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