Hazel Durham

Hazel Inez Boatman Durham went to meet her Lord on July 15, 2013. She was born on October 31, 1917 in Garrison, Texas to Joseph Jay Hugh Boatman and Martha Naomi Boatman (nee Brown). She married Jacob Durham on July 6, 1946 and together they had 3 daughters and a son.

She moved with Jake (a railroad telegrapher) for many years as his job required. They made their home in 3 different states but maintained a home at Redtown, a community near Pollok. She finally settled back in to her East Texas home in 1962. After raising her children, she was in her 50’s when she pursued a college education that allowed her eligibility for a management position at her long term career at the Lufkin State School. She made many lasting friendships among the staff and clients at the school. She remained there until her retirement.

Inez had a wide variety of interests, including reading, crocheting, art work, travel, and world events. She was a gourmet cook, expert seamstress, and the best 42 partner in the state.

She is predeceased by her parents; her husband; brothers, Verdell, Ottis, Earl, and J. D. Boatman; sons-in-law, W. D. “Dee” Williams (of Nacogdoches) and Jerry Moore (of Pollok, Texas); and grandson, Jason Valentine (of Pearland, Texas.)

She is survived by her children: Janice Sue Williams of Nacogdoches, Martha Ann Simpson and husband Merle of La Porte, Texas, Sarah Beth Moore of Pollok, Texas, and John Jacob Durham and wife Mary of Pollok, Texas.

Inez’s extended family includes her grandchildren, Michael Jacob Valentine and Brandi of La Porte, Samantha Ann Chaplain and Jeremiah of La Porte, James Larry Parnell and Jessica of Pollok, Eric Stephen Parnell of Pollok, Rebecca Hetti Thompson and Richard of Lufkin, Thomas Cody Durham and Viola of Deer Park, and Marci Ellen Hull and Mark of Wells; great-grandchildren, Savannah Butler, Dallas Guerrero, Taylor Johns, Kameron Parnell, Noah Parnell, Kaleb Parnell, Andrew Cavazos, Peyton Hull, Margaret Chaplain and Amelia Chaplain; and numerous dear nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Michael Valentine, James Parnell, Cody Durham, Mark Hull, Jeremiah Chaplain and Pate Greening.

Honorary pallbearers will be B. J. Moore, Josh Moore, Marvin Pipps and Matthew Fiore.

Services for Inez will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 19, 2013 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Robert Saxton officiating. Eulogy will be offered by Cody Durham. Interment will follow in the Durham Cemetery on FM 1819 in Pollok, Texas.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home