Elizabeth Anna Durham

Elizabeth “Anna” Durham, March 26, 1928 – January 14, 2021, died peacefully in her sleep in her home, and with Angel escorts ascended to her Eternal Home with the Lord and a glorious reunion with Carl, her beloved husband of 43 years, her first and only love. Anna has been the family Matriarch since Carl’s passing in 1989, and we have all benefited beyond any Earthly measure from her endless reservoir of spirituality, wisdom, generosity and especially… LOVE.

Anna was but a toddler during the Great Depression. As a child, she lost a sister to a tragic accident in their home. At the dawn of her awkward teenage years, the world was engulfed in World War 2, and her family was uprooted when her father volunteered to serve. But the war also ultimately led her to meet Carl… a dashing Sailor with jet black hair and eyes of crystal blue, and she was instantly and completely smitten. Their union would produce a son, Carl Jr., a daughter Ferry Ann, and later, another daughter Elizabeth. Tragically, Ferry Ann died after only a few hours, and Anna never got to see or hold her baby. (We envision a sweet little Angel greeting her Mommy for the first time at Heaven’s Gate)!!!

Fiercely devoted to family, Anna was the consummate “home-maker.” With a true heart for God, Anna was the guiding influence that led her family to Him. Happy to be the undergirding “help-meet,” Anna complimented Carl’s own devotion, outgoing personality and charisma as he became a respected evangelist in the church of Christ. Anna truly shined when the family moved to a little farm in the country, in the Whitton Community near Canton, TX. The Durham Home there was often the site of wonderful “get-togethers” and Anna became “Mama Ann” to many of the community’s children. This many decades later, she is remembered fondly as such.

Anna’s role as “Mama” continued into grand-motherhood, when circumstances landed a 5 month old baby boy named Jody into her arms. Without hesitation, she and Carl became his legal guardians, and raised him to adulthood, as if he was their own. Ever generous and compassionate, Anna’s home was often also home to grand-daughters Jennifer, Carrie and Wendy as well. This home was the ultimate “safe space.”

Anna was preceded in death by her parents and all siblings; infant daughter Ferry Ann; husband Carl of Canton, TX; son Carl Jr. of Grand Junction, CO; and daughter Beth of Ben Wheeler, TX. She is survived by her grandson Jody Durham of Conroe, TX; granddaughters Jennifer Smith of Ben Wheeler, TX, Carrie Gurley of Hurst, TX, and Wendy Shearer of Ben Wheeler, TX, and further by nine great-grand children, seven great-great grandchildren (and two more presently on the way!!).

All are invited for Visitation on Sunday, Jan. 17, from 5-7 PM at Eubank Funeral Home in Canton, TX, and for Memorial Services on Monday, Jan. 18, at 10:00AM at the Whitton Church of Christ with Jody Durham and David Fretwell officiating. Burial will follow at Cana Cemetery.