Mrs. Clarice J. Durrant

Mrs. Clarice J. Durrant was born on June 24th, 1927, to Andrew Jeffries and Pearl Nash Jeffries. She was born on a 200 acre farm (that still exists today) in Mebane, North Carolina. She had one brother, James and eight sisters: Ruth, Mary, Willie, Bernice, Vera, Nellie, Mildred & Doris, all of whom predeceased her.

Clarice graduated in 1950 from Shaw University, in Raleigh, North Carolina where she made lifelong friends. She was given a bus ticket to New York as a graduation present and decided to stay. She lived in Harlem in the 1950’s during its heyday.

Clarice met her husband, Robert, on a blind date. They got married in 1957 and had two children: Annette and Robert (Andrew). While nurturing her young family, Clarice was diagnosed with breast cancer. This happened at a time when the chances of survival were very low. She prayed to God to let her live to raise her young children. She was amazed that God allowed her to live to see the age of 94

When her children were old enough, Clarice returned to work. The highlight of her career was teaching her welfare moms money management, how to sew, cooking and how to decorate their homes on a budget. Clarice found her work very rewarding. In 1977, she graduated with a Master’s of Science degree in Family and Consumer Studies from Lehman College of CUNY. She was promoted to a supervisory position overseeing teachers in the NYC Adult & Consumer Education program. She had a profound impact on the students and teachers she supervised.

After her husband passed in October of 1989, Clarice retired shortly thereafter. A wonderful addition to her life came in the form of 3 granddaughters: Rachel, Sarah & Kimberly whom she loved dearly. She went on a total of 13 cruises and traveled to many places with her children and friends. She became a Deacon and a greeter at her church, Westminster Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed walking every day, gardening, cooking, reading, watching TV and playing solitaire on her computer. The thing she enjoyed most was spending time with family. That was precious to her. She continued to support her children throughout their lives. The holidays were a special time for her.

Clarice found it easy to make friends throughout her life. She enjoyed engaging with people and helping them resolve their problems. She made new friends until the very end. She was a great Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt and friend.

Clarice leaves behind two children, Annette Durrant and Robert (Andrew) Durrant, one daughter-in-law, Lin Durrant, three granddaughters, Rachel Berntsen, Sarah Durrant and Kimberly Mayo, one grandson-in-law Peter Berntsen, one great grandchild Emalyn Berntsen, and a multitude of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Clarice J. Durrant, age 94, of Holliswood, New York passed away on Monday, November 1, 2021. Clarice was born June 24, 1927 in Mebane, North Carolina.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rstutzmannandsonfuneralhome.com for the Durrant family.