Mary DuRant Meeks

Funeral services for Mary DuRant Meeks, 91, of Columbia, will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 24, 2010, with the Reverend Edward L. McWilliams and the Reverend Thom C. Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Friday evening at Greenlawn Funeral Home.

Mary passed away at her home on Thursday, April 22, 2010. She was born September 27, 1918 in Lynchburg, SC to the late Rufus William Griffin and Lily May Foster Griffin.

She is survived by her beloved dogs, “Millie” and “Sadie”; her four children, John DuRant and wife Zilphy, Billy DuRant and wife Linda, Margy Dennis and husband Larry, and Mary Ann Nickels Brown; her grandchildren, Lana DuRant and husband Jim Juritsch, Libby Lerner and husband Barry, Melissa Bixler and husband Matthew, Jaclin DuRant , and Lauren Nickels; step-grandchildren, Britt N. Wheeler and husband Van, Scott Nickels and wife Kelly, and Mike Nickels and wife Kelly; great-grandchildren, Emily Lerner, Carter Bixler, Sierra Juritsch, and Maddie Juritsch; and step-great-grandchildren, McCall Nickels, Lowery Nickels, Jakob Nickels, and Ashley Nickels.

Mary was a 1949 graduate of the University of South Carolina, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Subsequent to her graduation, Mary worked for ten years with the Veterans Administration and then joined the Federal Housing Administration (Department of Housing & Urban Development). As one of the first women in management, she retired as Chief of the Mortgage Loan Division of HUD, Columbia branch in 1978.

After retirement, Mary took a painting class where her artistic talent was discovered. For a number of years her paintings were selected for the art exhibition at the South Carolina State Fair. Mary was very proud to have been a student and friend of renowned artist Campbell Frost. As a member of Asbury United Methodist Church for almost fifty years, she was active in her Sunday School Class, Circle No. Two, the Joy Club, and always looked forward to Wednesday Night Supper. Her church family and many friends always had a special place in her heart.

The family is very grateful to the many, many friends who filled her life with happiness and love. Once when asked what she attributed her long life to, she simply said “I’ve learned not to sweat the small stuff.” A wonderful mother, “Nana”, and friend has departed our physical presence, but her love, countless memories and values will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Lutheran Hospice - 1505 Blanding Street Columbia, SC 29201; Asbury United Methodist Church -1005 Asbury Drive Columbia, SC 29209; or to the Animal Rescue Group or Humane Association of choice.