Jimmie Elizabeth "Beth" Durham

Jimmie Elizabeth "Beth" Durham, 77, of Diboll, was born February 25, 1934 in Fastrill, Texas, the daughter of the late Ervelia (Holcomb) and Willis Jordan. She passed away Sunday, August 28, 2011 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Durham graduated from Diboll High School in 1951 as valedictorian and attended business school in Lufkin. She worked at the Paper Mill for a short time. She lived at Ft. Bliss for a short time while Paul was serving in the Army and then moved back to Diboll and worked for Temple Inland for several years. She went to work for TSE Railroad in 1969 and retired in 1991. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Durham was an avid reader, learned to operate a computer and became interested in genealogy research. She was an enthusiastic supporter of The History Center. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and fishing. Friends and family loved her sense of humor and wit.

Survivors include her son, Bruce Durham of Diboll; daughter and son-in-law, Lauri and Steve White of Austin; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Tommy Jo Jordan of Jasper; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and David King of Ingleside and Julia and Jerry Gartman of Bulverde; granddaughter, Amanda Demarest and husband Scott of Washington, D.C.; great-grandson, Azure Demarest; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Durham was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Durham, whom she married on February 7, 1953.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Durham's memory may be made to The History Center, 102 N. Temple Drive. Diboll, Texas 75941.

Private graveside services will be held for Mrs. Durham.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com.

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.