Norma Mildred Durkee

Williamston, Michigan

Born July 22, 1919, passed away on October 16, 2013 at the age of

94. A friend to many still living and to many who have gone

before, near and far.

Norma would wryly say she was only related by marriage to her

best friend and light of her life, husband Maurice Lafayette

Durkee. They were sunshine for one another for their 72 ½ years of

marriage, having and holding for better for worse, for richer for

poorer, in sickness and in health, loving and cherishing to death’s

door.

She was cherished in life and cared for in the last journey by son

Alan (Karen) of East Lansing; daughters, Marilyn (Larry d. 2003)

of Detroit and Adele (Gordon) of Peterborough, Ontario. Norma

followed with love, daily prayer and annual birthday cards the

unfolding lives of grandchildren Aaron (Vonda), Jarrod (Sara),

Alycia (Josh), Erica (John), Rachelle (Scott), Elisabeth (Rick) and

Jessica (Matt). To the end she was delighted by her great-

grandchildren Madison, Adan and Ella.

An only child, Norma was preceded in the journey to life after life

by beloved father Joseph Milo Speers and mother Olive Maria

Carver Speers. She was the fifth Speers generation on Rowley

Road, Locke Township, and attended Rowley School and

Williamston High School where she played on the girls’ basketball

team.

After graduating from Lansing Business College, Norma worked at

Oldsmobile in Lansing during World War II until the birth of son

Alan. After the births of Marilyn and Adele, she returned to higher

education as a mature student and received a B.A. Ed. from

Michigan State University. From 1957-1979 Mrs. Durkee taught

Grade 6 at Williamston Elementary and Middle Schools.

As retirees, Norma and Maurice lived November-April, 1979-

2011, in Palmetto, Florida, enjoying visits from family and friends,

and “playing” with a new circle of friends. They travelled

extensively in their younger years within the United States and

Canada, and in retirement travelled throughout the world, with

highlights in China, Liberia and Malaysia.

Norma was a lifelong member of Rowley Wesleyan Church,

exercising her gifts of teaching and administration as a Sunday

School teacher and treasurer. She learned friendship from Jesus

and offered kind and generous hospitality to many who became

friends.

What a friend we have in Jesus

all our sins and griefs to bear.

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013, 2:00 p.m. at Rowley Wesleyan Church, 3720 Rowley Rd, Williamston with the Pastor Les Kephart officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Middle St, Williamston and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to the Rowley Wesleyan Church Building Fund, 3720 Rowley Rd, Williamston, MI 48895 or World Vision, PO Box 9716, Federal Way, VA 98063.