Kay Lupton Durden

She will always be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, neighbor and friend.

Kay was born and raised in Pamlico County, North Carolina and attended Pamlico County High School in Bayboro. After attending King’s Business College in Raleigh, she worked with the N.C. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Office until taking on the role of loving wife and mother. She married Steve L. Durden in March 1962, and their first daughter Sharon was born the following year. She and Steve settled in Raleigh and had two more daughters, Lori and Carrie.

Kay took the role of homemaker and hostess, especially hosting of family gatherings, very seriously. She also became caregiver for her mother-in-law, and then her own mother for many years after her father’s passing. She joined the library staff at St. Mary’s High School from 1987 until her retirement in May of 2007.

She treasured her family and friends and looked forward to spending time together with each of them - annual Topsail Beach vacation with her daughters and families, cards, games, friendships and travels around the globe.

Kay was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Sadler Lupton, father, Richard Alfred Lupton, brother, Joseph Lupton, sister, Daris Keith, and her husband of 41 years Steve Leon Durden.

She is survived by her daughters Sharon Durden Fred (Robin) of Raleigh; Lori Durden Wilson (John) of Greensboro; Carrie Durden Walls (George) of Longview, TX, her five grandchildren, Banks Wilson, Avery Wilson, Brendan Fred, Caroline Walls and Samuel Walls, as well as beloved niece and nephews and all their families. She loved her dear friends, and they were her family too, neighbors, close friends from earlier years, staff at St. Mary’s and her many sisters and brothers at Waltonwood.

Together family and friends will celebrate her life with a commitment service at Historic Oakwood Cemetery at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25. Arrangements are being handled through Brown Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 Millbrook Road in Raleigh NC (919-876-6900).