Mary L Durham

Title

Mary L Durham

Description

Rev. Mary L Durham, the oldest of 6 children, was born to the late Edwin and Leila Sena Durham on December 25. Yes, a Christmas gift had arrived on the Durham's doorstep in the form of "a living doll," and naturally the appropriate name for her was Mary. Even as a toddler she was an extraordinary child, very obedient and rarely having to be corrected. The expression "Don't let me have to tell you twice," certainly didn't apply to Mary!
Her early training was fostered through a God-fearing loving family, church, and great, caring teachers. Mary's education began at the Lincoln Elementary School located in the "Needmore" area of Greer. She continued her elementary schooling at Dunbar Elementary School in Greer. Even in the pre-teen and teen years Mary was always a very humble individual. She was content to let others have the limelight while she happily stayed in the shadows. She seemed to glory in the success of others, never seeming to harbor a jealous bone in her body. Mary graduated from the newly built Lincoln High School in Taylors, SC in 1961.
She matriculated at Benedict College, Columbia, SC from 1961-65, receiving the Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and her Master's degree in education from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Her compassionate nature secured her a job at the SC School for the Deaf and Blind, where she taught for 30 years. She was truly devoted to her job.
Mary retired from teaching and enter the Gospel ministry. Her call to the ministry was at an early age although she did not accept the call until some years later. Her siblings remember her professing God and preaching under the chinaberry tree and on the stops of their home. When asked what led her into the ministry, Mary replied, "Ever since I knew I could talk and knew what people could do, I wanted to be a blues singer, a gospel singer, a preacher, and missionary all in one; my grandfather was a preacher, and after spending a lot of time with him, he must have rubbed off on me."
Mary received a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Christian International School of Theology in FL and the N.J. Brockman School of Religion in Greenville, SC.
Rev. Mary L Durham grew up working in the Maple Creek Missionary Baptist Church. Her faithfulness has led to dedicated work in the community, and she has participated in many ministries in her church. Rev. Durham serves as Associate Minister, sings with the senior choir, and is an active member of the Choral Union (singing groups from many community churches); she is the leader for new members class and visitation ministry, and also works with the missionary department. She serves as Vice President/Recording Secretary of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and is a member of the Entree River Association's Women's Ministry and chairperson for the Memorial Ministry.
A birthday celebration on Dec 25, 2013 was held at Hilton Head Island honoring her as "Queen for a Day." Many fond memories and accolades were shared by her nieces and nephews and siblings about the importance of education and the input she had in ensuring that education was key for their success.
Mary enjoys reading, writing, singing, talking to the elderly, working in the church, and teaching young and older students in the adult literacy program which she taught in for over 10 years. She is considered the big sister to all her nieces and nephews, and many others that she touches in life. Mary enjoys the giving of herself and is dedicated to the service of God.
And coming full circle, since one of her father's and grandfather's favorite Bible verses was "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6), we see how God ordered Mary Durham's steps from birth to this very moment.
How great Thou art!

birthday

December 25

Relation

The Joseph C Durham Family