With great sorrow, the Duran, Clark, and Pleschner families announce the passing of Melva Lee Duran. Melva was born August 30, 1945 in Fresno, California to Edwin Lawrence and Dorothy Katherine Niemann. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1963 and married the love her life, Ernest Joseph Duran, on August 29, 1964.
Melva has three children and raised them, with Ernest, in Fresno. Melva was always involved in her children’s activities, spending countless hours at swim meets with Ernie Jr., dance lessons and pageants with Lynette, and baseball and soccer games with Russell. Melva always volunteered to work many of these events, often organizing fundraising to assist with the event and teams.
Melva worked as a Teacher’s Aid at Vinland Elementary School for many years and routinely worked at the Election Office in Fresno County. Melva enjoyed helping students learn and excel in their education. Her reward was to see them succeed. She rarely had any downtime, always kept busy, while running the household for her family, making sure her family had a warm, happy, loving home.
In 1989, Melva moved to La Mesa, Ca, with Ernest – who took a job transfer with the State Dept. of Justice to the San Diego field office. In 1993, they bought a home in Lakeside. Melva worked approximately 20 years as a job placement specialist for Maric College and then Kaplan College, working her way up to Placement Director. She loved mentoring and guiding medical students, coaching and preparing them for job interviews upon completion of their education. Melva retired in 2010 to focus fulltime on her personal enjoyments, family and husband. Melva loved the San Diego area. Whether being at a Charger or Padre game, going to any of the festival or events in that San Diego had to offer, going to the beach and walking with Ernest – soaking in the ocean scenery, or just going out to eat at her favorite restaurants, Melva loved her life in San Diego with Ernest.
In 2022, Melva and Ernest moved back to Clovis Ca, to be closer to family. It was hard to leave the life and amenities in San Diego, but she decided it was time to be closer to family. She was extremely proud of her children, grandchildren, and extended family with all their success in sports and career advancements.
Melva was a kind, warm, smart, caring, loving Wife, Mom, and Mimi. She always had a positive outlook and personality no matter what challenges she was faced with and never had a disparaging thing to say about anyone.
Melva is survived by her husband Ernest, children Ernie Jr. and his wife Kenya, Lynette and her husband Kevin, Russell and his wife Patricia; grandkids Madison, Cassidy and her husband Aaron, Samantha, Megan, Tanner, and Ryan; sister-in-law Linda and nephews Scott and Alan.
Due to Melva’s love for education and lifelong commitment to help students of all ages and backgrounds, the family requests those who wish to express their respects to consider making a donation in memory of Melva to the Foundation @ FCOE, 1111 Van Ness Ave., 3rd Flr., Fresno CA 93721, and specify in memory of Melva Duran.
A visitation for Melva will be held Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, California 93720. A mass of christian burial will occur Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E Champlain Dr., Fresno, California 93730. A committal service will occur Thursday, December 14, 2023 at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave., Fresno, California 93706.
