Shelby "Frances" (Wilburn) Durham

Shelby Frances Durham, (91) passed peacefully from this life into the Arms of Jesus, her Lord & Savior, on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Frances was born on June 25, 1933 in Grayson, KY, the youngest daughter of Shelby and Ercel Wilburn. She graduated from Pritchard High School in Carter County, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. While at EKU, she met the love of her life, a Navy Veteran named Clarence Ray Durham. They married on August 18, 1956. Frances was a Home Economics Education major and began her career as a teacher. Upon moving to Louisville, she taught Home Ec at PRP High School until she became a mother in 1964. She spent the rest of her life being a godly wife, mother, Mommaw, and friend. Although she was no longer employed as an educator, she enjoyed teaching her cooking, baking, and sewing skills to her children and grandchildren. We all have many memories spent in her wonderful kitchen. Every December, the entire family looked forward to “Cookie Day at Mommaw’s” when her home was filled with the delicious smells of baking and the hearty sounds of laughter! Frances and Clarence were a model of what a devoted, Christ-centered marriage looks like. They were so proud of the family they raised, and were quick to share stories about their children and grandchildren. In their golden years, they were truly never apart, and their sweet smiles and generous hearts brightened the days of family, neighbors, and friends. They were charter members of Southeast Christian Church, Northeast Christian Church, and River Valley Christian Church. Frances served in a variety of roles in these churches across the 65 years of memberships, always cheerful to help and support the ministries. Frances has also been a member of the Southeast Prospect Campus since it was started. Frances was preceded in death by Clarence Durham, her husband of 65 years. She is survived by her two children, Linda Proffitt (Jim), and Jim Durham (Cheryl). She also has six grandchildren: Gracie Proffitt Barrios (Davis), Nathan Proffitt, Rachel Proffitt Teater (Bryce), Emily Durham, Ben Durham, and Tyler Durham, and one great-granddaughter, Chloe Rae Barrios. A Celebration of Life will be held at Stoess Funeral Home, 6534 West Hwy 22, Crestwood, KY 40014 on Wednesday, November 27 at 10:30 am, with burial to follow in Floydsburg Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26 from 4-7pm, and also at 9:30 am Wednesday before the service. Her family would like to thank all the nurses, aides, and staff at Jefferson Place, and both the staff and the 11th Hour volunteers of Hosparus of Louisville for their kindness and compassionate care in her final days.

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