Luebirda Smith Durham

Mrs. Luebirda Smith Durham, wife of the late Wycliff Drayton Durham, Sr., slipped quietly away from this earthly existence on Wednesday evening, September 25, 2019 , in Columbia, South Carolina. We wanted her to stay, but God knew best . She was eager to join those loved ones who had predeceased her- her parents, her husband; Wycliff D. Durham, Sr.; A son, Wycliff D. Durham, Jr.; and a daughter, Linda E. Bell.

Mrs. Durham was born on December 22, 1929 , to Jobie and Viola Richardson in Kershaw County, South Carolina. She was later adopted by David and Jannie Smith and attended the public schools of Bethune, South Carolina. Her teachers observed that she was always very humble, caring and enjoyed helping others. Not only was she studious and mannerable, but she also became the role model that all of her teachers wanted other students to emulate. The Smiths would later adopt a son, William Belton, which completed their immediate family. She attended church with her family and accepted Christ at a very early age. She was later able to reunite with her 4 biological brothers and sister in New Jersey in adulthood.

As Mrs. Durham grew into a beautiful young lady and continued her studies in Bethune, she met Wycliff Drayton Durham. The young couple fell in love and were married on June 2, 1944. God would bless this union with six children: Carver Eureka, Janie Allen, Nancy Elizabeth, Wycliff Drayton, Jr., Linda Elaine, and Dorothy Jean. After Mrs. Durham graduated with honors from Coulter Academy, the young couple relocated to the Fosters Grove Community in Spartanburg County, South Carolina . Being a good mother was always important to Mrs. Durham. She was always proud of her children and reared them in a God-fearing home. In an effort to supplement the family income, she sought employment outside the home and she worked for over 40 years with the Robert E. Browne family. She was proud to share her nurturing spirit with the Browne family and considered them members of her extended family. Later, Mrs. Durham met and worked for The Nichols family and also considered them part of her extended family. Since she never met a stranger and was always eager to share her bountiful love and spirit, the number of people in Mrs. Durham extended family grew significantly. Mrs. Durham shared her sincere, kind, tenderhearted, Christian spirit with everyone she encountered. Many called her mother, Godmother, sister, friend, confidant, advisor, role model, and neighbor. Her mission was to always serve God and to do what she could on this place called Earth to help others. Mrs. Durham joined Fosters Grove Baptist Church with her family over 60 years ago. She remained very active in the church until her health began to decline. She has served as church secretary , Sympathy Club President, part-time Sunday School Teacher, member of the Deaconess Board, Senior Choir, Usher Board, Fellowship Committee and the Women’s Ministry.

Known throughout the community for her culinary prowess, Mrs. Durham enjoyed cooking and baking. She was best known for her Macaroni and Cheese casseroles, four-layer Coconut cakes, and Caramel cakes. She cooked and served with love. She could feed an entire community with an average Sunday meal. She would often say, “God adds the increase ”. She also enjoyed singing, listening to gospel music, worshipping God and frequenting flea markets.

Mrs. Durham remained the matriarch and “rock” of her family until her death. She leaves to cherish her memory: One son, Carver (Helena) Durham of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; Three daughters, Janie D. (John Edwin) Phillips of Columbia, South Carolina, Nancy Burton of Chesnee, South Carolina and Dorothy Logan of the home; One daughter-in-law, Patricia Durham of Charlotte, North Carolina; Two sons-in-law, Don Potter of Columbia, South Carolina and James Bell of Shelby, North Carolina; Four sisters-in-law, Awilda Durham of Woodbridge, Virginia, Margaret D. Hill of Taylors, South Carolina, Estelle Durham of Taylors, South Carolina and Priscilla Chappelle of Wrens, Georgia and a very special sister, Mrs. Louise Richard of Cherokee Springs, South Carolina; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren , a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Luebirda Smith Durham will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Fosters Grove Baptist Church, 899 Fosters Grove Rd., Chesnee, SC. Dr. Horace Wilson will officiate.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.