Myrtle Irene Durden, 93, died peacefully on Thursday, April 19, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Graham County, North Carolina, she was the sixth of fourteen children born to Hector and Inez Jenkins. After graduating from Stecoah High School, Irene worked briefly in Oakridge, Tennessee for what is now known as the ‘Manhattan Project’. She then moved to Jacksonville, Florida where she met and eventually married the love of her life, Paul Durden. After her marriage to Paul, Irene enjoyed a successful 35-year career as an Office Manager for a prominent dental firm in Jacksonville.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Paul Peterson Durden. She leaves behind three sons ... Barry (Denise), Tim (Karen) and Todd (Camille) … seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Irene also leaves behind two siblings … Ted Jenkins and Linda Holder.
As an active member of San Jose Baptist Church for 50 plus years, she actively practiced her faith daily through the Word and constant conversation with our Lord. Her family will be receiving friends on Monday, April 23rd from 6-8 pm at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd. There will be a funeral service the following morning at 11:00 am at San Jose Baptist Church, 6140 San Jose Blvd. Irene's committal service will be held at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd. after the funeral service at San
Jose Baptist Church.
Irene's legacy will always be one of Faith, Family and Friendship!
