Brenda Smith Durr

Brenda Jean Smith Durr passed peacefully on May 17, 2015 surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer. A native of Franklinton, LA and long-time resident of Williamsburg, VA, Brenda was 72 years old and born on July 13, 1942. Brenda loved to read, garden, collect art, travel, decorate her home, play bridge and golf, but most of all Brenda loved her family and the Lord. She was an active member of the Kingsmill Bridge Club, Kingsmill Women’s Social Club, Kingsmill Choraliers, bible study and Walnut Hills Baptist Church. Brenda graduated from Franklinton High School and Southeastern Louisiana University.

Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Col. Donald David Durr, Sr., U.S.A. Ret.; daughter, Wendy Durr Wall and her husband Sidney Wall; son Donald “David” Durr Jr. his wife Jane-Lauren Brittingham Durr. She also is survived by her grandchildren Sidney “Davis” Wall, Claire Jane Durr, Anna Kate Durr; her sisters Genevieve “Genny” Smith Brannan and Hallene Smith Magee and husband Randy Magee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents Hall Luther and Willie Mae Smith of Franklinton, LA.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Visiting hours will resume on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 10 A.M. until the time of memorial service at 11 A.M. A reception celebrating her life will follow at Walnut Hills Baptist Church at 12 P.M. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or via phone (800) 805-5856. Online condolences may be offered at www.nelsencares.com.