Wilmer was born to the late William (Bill) and Alice Lofton Durr on Dec 12th some many years ago in Copiah County. He was the 4th of five children born to this union, three preceded him in death. Other siblings preceded him in death: Albert Durr, Mike Durr, Eudell, and Ella B. Wilmer attended Pine Leaf Elementary School. After becoming an adult, he united in holy matrimony to the late Rosie Mae Childs Durr in 1937. To this union seven children were born, one preceded him in death, Dennon.
Wilmer served in the United States Navy. After returning from the Navy, he furthered his education at the Antioch Baptist Church. He worked numerous jobs, Britts Motor Company, Hazlehurst Public Schools as a bus driver, Hardy Wilson Memorial Hospital where he retired as an orderly. Wilmer was a spiritual DJ for 50+ years at WMDC and WOEG radio stations in Hazlehurst. He also managed and organized the gospel group known as the Christian Travelers.
Wilmer joined the Providence Baptist Church at an early age. He served as Sunday School superintendent, a Sunday School teacher, and he also sang in the choir. He served as a deacon 60+ years.
Wilmer leaves to cherish his memories three daughters: Dorester, Emma Shirley, Dora Lynn (Darrell) of Jackson, MS; three sons: Wilmer L (Geraldine), William Charles of Detroit, MI, Rickey (Felicia) Brookhaven, MS; one brother, Lorse Durr (Annie B); one daughter-in-law Bettie R Durr, Hazlehurst, MS; sisters-in-law; Elma L Shannon, Brookhaven, MS, Charlie M Sheperd, Detroit, MI, and brother in-law Eddie F Shannon, Detroit, MI; 24 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and acquaintances.
Wilmer was born about 1920 per census records.
How does Wilmer connect to my family tree?
Wilmer and my paternal grandfather, Mike Durr, were brothers.
4 comments:
What a beautiful life! I'm sure it wasn't without hardships, but in the end he left behind a wonderful legacy. And, how fortunate for you to be so closely related to him!
He did leave behind a wonderful legacy. His name is a reference point when I am discussing my family history. I am often asked if I am related to Wilmer Durr, or I use his name to connect to others.
My last living aunts are now 95 and 93. They aren't able to share the past with me as they did even a few years ago. The West African proverb that says, "When an elder dies, a library burns", was sure right.
This was a beautiful tribute and records for our history.
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