Roberta Ann Durham

Born January 29, 1945 in Pekin to Clarence and Della Mae (Null) Schurman, she married Howard Thomas Durham, Sr. on January 29, 1965 in Pekin. He died June 27, 2014 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one infant daughter, Roberta Durham; one infant son, Jacob Durham; her brothers, Willard Schurman, Jim Schurman, David Schurman, Bob Schurman and Chuck Schurman and her niece, Deborah Bohnert.

Surviving are five sons, Howard (Kristy) Durham, Jr., Anthony Durham, Author (Cristel) Durham, Arnold (Jacquelin) Durham, Lee Durham; two daughters, Angela (Sam) Van Brunt and Rebecca (Rickey Robertson) Durham; 21 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two sisters, Glenna Sapp of Pekin and Jane (Bill) Lasley of South Pekin. She also leaves many nieces, nephews and other family and friends who will miss her greatly.

Roberta grew up and went to school in Pekin, where she was one of eight children. Even at a young age, Roberta was a loving young lady, dropping out of school near the 8ths grade in order to take care of her niece, Deborah, whom she considered her own daughter.

She was a loving, caring, kind and gentle mother to her children, with a smidge of stubbornness that some might say she passed on to her children. She was a type of person that would give the shirt off her back for anyone, for any reason. Her favorite pastime was to be with her family, whom she loved dearly.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Major Dwayne Durham will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com