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In Memory

Bobbie Lee Howell (Durant) - Class Of 1938 VIEW PROFILE

Bobbie Lee Howell (Durant)

 

 

 

 

BOBBIE LEE (HOWELL) DURANT

June 5, 1920 - Aug. 13, 2007
SOUTH BEND - Bobbie Lee Durant, 87, affectionately known as "Bee," passed away surrounded by loving family on Monday, August 13, 2007, at 12:05 AM in South Bend, Indiana, where she had esided the last 18 years. "Bee" was born in Duluth, GA, the oldest of ten children to Lee and Lillie (Harris) Howell.

The family moved to South Bend when she was five years old. Bobbie attended and graduated from Central High School. After high school, she attended Homer G. Philips School of Nursing in St Louis, MO, and graduated in 1942 with a degree in nursing.

After returning to South Bend, two major hospitals refused to hire her because of her color. She accepted a position with Healthwin Hospital and subsequently became the first African-American nurse in South Bend. Later, Bobbie moved to Detroit, Michigan, and worked for several years as a visiting health nurse. Bobbie Durant retired from Sturgis General Hospital in Sturgis, Michigan, after serving there for more than 38 years. In addition to nursing, Bobbie Lee had a passion for speaking before groups and was often called to recite poetry and provide book reviews for various civic clubs and organizations. She, herself, was a member of the Drifters, Inc., a civic organization for almost 50 years. She was a member and affiliated with First AME Zion Church of South Bend for over 69 years, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis, Michigan. She loved to read and entertain, and had a "zest" for serving others in need.

She resided in Sturgis, Michigan, for 43 years with her husband of 57 years, Dr. Jack H. Durant, who preceded her in death.

Survivors include her three loving daughters, Jackie Durant of Teaneck, New Jersey, Bonnie Willis (Jerry) of South Bend, IN, and Lillian Durant-Davis of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren, Chrysten Wright (Jamaul) of Atlanta, Eboni Davis of Houston, TX, and Jerry Willis II of South Bend; three great-grandchildren, Tracy and Jackson Wright of Atlanta, and Byron Jones of Houston. She also leaves to mourn four sisters, Mamie Taylor (Tom), Sylvia Warren, Joan Trammel (Lee) and Henrietta Williams; three brothers, William Howell, Charles Howell (Elizabeth) and Henry Howell; nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends. Her mother and father, Lillie and Lee Howell, and siblings Hattie Harris and Rufas Howell, also preceded her in death.

Contributions in memory of Bobbie L. Durant may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care (agency), 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637, or www.centerforhospice.org. The Agency is an independent, community-based organization providing comfort and support to all people facing health challenges so that they may live each day in his or her own way in comfort and dignity. Services For Mrs. Bobbie L. Durant will be Thursday, August 16, 2007, in The First A.M.E. Zion Church 801 N. Eddy St., South Bend IN. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with the funeral service at noon. Burial will follow the funeral services at Highland Cemetery. The Clark - O'Neal F.H. has been entrusted with funeral services.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Aug. 15, 2007.

01/16/2023 EJS



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