Berniece Bessie Durham

Berniece Bessie Durham, longtime Pueblo resident went to heaven on September 4, 2010 at the age of 94. Berniece, also known as “Meecie” or “Cotton” was born on September 1, 1916 in Elkton, Missouri. She is survived by her sister-in-law Adelyn Crank, dozens of nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband Hilbert Albert “Red” Durham; her parents George and Myrtle Crank; her sisters Neta Sackman and Geraldine Crank and brothers Orlando “Orl”, Jerry, and Kenny Crank as well as lifelong family friend Joe Horvat. Berniece moved with her family at age two from Missouri to Colorado and settled in Pueblo at age 10. She attended Pueblo Centennial High School and married Red Durham on September 20, 1936. They were married for 61 years until Red’s death in 1997. Berniece worked at Baker’s Shoes followed by the Republic National Bank for many years. Berniece loved her family and friends but especially loved the little ones. Though she had no children of her own, she was a “mom” and “grandma” to so many. If there was a child around, they could be found in Meecie’s arms – and they were probably being given candy that their parents didn’t want them to have. She was loving, cheerful, ornery and strong-willed, all traits she tried to pass on to future generations. Viewing and services will be held at Imperial Memorial Gardens Chapel. Viewing held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 9 and services on Friday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of food, memorial donations may be made in her honor to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or JDRF, through the funeral directors.