Shirley A Duren

July 10, 1940 the world gained the most caring angel in Shirley Ann Hamilton (aka Martha Shirley Ann). And on July 10, 2023 Shirley Ann Duren gained her wings to return to heaven. Shirley was born number 11 of 12 children to William and Helen Hamilton in West Virginia.

Shirley learned two things at any early age, Jesus was real and taking care of others would be her life’s plight. Her mother was a minister in the Church of God in Christ and was known for her tremendously close walk with the Lord. Her mother, later in life, became very ill, which had Shirley in her teenage years becoming her caregiver.

By the age of 18 Shirley buried her mother, graduated from high school, completed nursing school, and moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she landed a job at The Cleveland Clinic. Shirley's career as a nurse spanned many years, during which she touched countless lives through her compassionate care and dedication. From her early days as a surgical nurse to her later role in labor and delivery, Shirley brought comfort and healing to those in need. Her colleagues and patients alike admired her professionalism, kindness, and attention to every detail.

It was in Cleveland where she would meet Leoatis Duren. During the 11-day world-wind of a courtship, Leoatis asked Shirley to marry him. In 1963 they married and started a 43-year journey. They had three children. Leoatis and Shirley’s legacy lives on through their three children, Alicia, Kevin, and Brian. She was a devoted and loving mother, always providing support and guidance to her children throughout their lives. She cherished her role as a mother and instilled in her children the values of compassion, faith, and service to others, just as she had learned from her own mother.

Although Leoatis promised he would never become a preacher, God said different. This meant Shirley also accepted her God-Given gift of being a preacher’s wife. Throughout her life, Shirley's faith in Jesus Christ remained unwavering. She was supportive to her husband's work as a pastor and was a pillar of strength and encouragement for the congregation they served. Side by side they were caregivers of hundreds of souls.

Shirley experienced the gift of being a grandparent to five grandkids, Shantia Powell, Mario Powell, Marcus Duren, Malcom Duren and Jasmine Duren. She was also blessed to have five great-grandkids, Malachi Powell, Marayah Powell, Zacharias Powell (aka JB), Jayla Dumante and Marayla Foreman-Powell. She delighted in their presence and shared many precious moments with them, creating lasting memories and bonds that will be cherished by her family for generations to come.

Shirley was preceded in death by her loving husband, Leoatis Duren, who passed away in 2006 after 43 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by her parents, William and Helen Hamilton, as well as her 11 siblings.

Shirley Ann Duren (aka Martha Shirley Ann) will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, as well as a dedicated nurse and faithful servant of God. Her legacy of love, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. While she may have gained her wings to return to heaven, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

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