Shirley Eileen Durante

Shirley Eileen Durante was born December 23, 1936 in Elbert, West Virginia to Jahue Durante and Jessie Mae Cabiness Durante. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church for more than fifty years. Shirley served in various ministries, but her passion was serving with the kitchen ministry where she was able to share her God-given gift for cooking. Shirley was devoted to her family, friends, and church. She retired from the Columbus Developmental Center where she was employed for thirty-three years. Sundays and holidays were her best days to fellowship at home. It was not uncommon for friends, old and new, to drop in and have a bite to eat, laugh, and enjoy each others love and friendship. These are just some of our fondest memories of our mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Shirley departed this life on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at her home. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by one son Larry Durante, and four brothers, Jahue, Robert, John, and Ronald Durante. She leaves to cherish her memory, one loving daughter Debra Durante; two loving sons Michael and Mark Durante; three loving grandchildren Raphael, Brandi, and Michael Durante; loving daughter-in-law Denise Durante; two sisters Gloria Durante Bell and Anita (Curtis) Hairston; loving aunt who was like a sister, Zelma Towers; uncle Robert Cabiness; best friend and godmother of her children, Delores Wright; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives and friends. Homegoing Celebration 10 a.m., Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 1080 E. Broad Street (at 21st Street), where the family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until the start of service. Pastor Elon Meeks, officiating. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate.