Rev. Dr. T. Durr

Obituary For Rev. Dr. T. Durr

Visitation

Friday 01/16/2026 10:00am to 6:00pm

Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church
300 S. 12th Street
Newark, NJ 07103

Floral Arrangements should be delivered to the church.

Life Celebration (Visitation)

Friday 01/16/2026 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church
300 S. 12th Street
Newark, NJ 07103

Floral Arrangements should be delivered to the church.

Visitation

Saturday 01/17/2026 9:00am to 10:00am

Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church
300 S. 12th Street
Newark, NJ 07103

Floral Arrangements should be delivered to the church.

Celebration of Life

Saturday 01/17/2026 10:00am

Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church
300 S. 12th Street
Newark, NJ 07103

Floral Arrangements should be delivered to the church.

Mausoleum Entombment

HOLLYWOOD MEMORIAL PARK
UNION, NJ 07083

We celebrate the life of Rev Dr. T. L. Durr, honoring the legacy and enduring impact of a visionary, a leader, a devoted minister, a community builder, and a tireless advocate for the less fortunate. His journey was one marked by faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.
Rev. Tommie Lee Durr was born on August 8, 1941, to the late Tommie L. Durr, Sr., and Creamie Clark, in Franklin, Louisiana. He spent his early years in Louisiana before migrating to Adel, Georgia. There, he attended the Georgia school district and later worked in the fields to support his family. These experiences shaped his work ethic, determination, and resilience. They also laid the foundation for a
lifetime devoted to service, learning, and spiritual growth.
Rev. Durr left Georgia in search of a better life in his early adulthood. He journeyed to Newark, New Jersey, the city that would become the heart of his ministry, his work, and his legacy. Upon arriving in Newark, he began working at College Dry Cleaners before securing employment with the City of Newark, where he served in several departments. During this time, he also embraced his musical gifts, becoming a gospel singer and performing with groups such as The Heavenly Crowns, The Sensational Six, earning the affectionate title “The Gospel Godfather”.
Rev. Durr married Lillie M. Durr, and together they raised five children; Harvey, Tommy, Stefan, Tanya and Bridgette Durr. Later in life Rev. Durr remarried, from that union he cherished his daughter Tasha Durr born to Lorena Baytops. His family remained a constant source of pride, joy and strength throughout his life.
Rev. Durr also pursued education with remarkable determination, earning an Associate’s Degree in Political Science from Essex County College, a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Rutgers University, and an Honorary Degree in Theology from Morehouse College. His academic achievements reflect his deep commitment to personal growth and community leadership.
In 1974, Rev. Dr. T Durr was ordained as a minister, answering a divine calling that would shape the lives of countless individuals and families. Two years later, Rev. Durr founded Gospel Cathedral Baptist
Church, establishing it as a nonprofit organization devoted not only to spiritual development but also to uplift the community. Under his leadership, the church launched transformative outreach programs, including:
 1977 - Director of the Summer Youth Employment Program
 1980 - Established the Gospel Cathedral Food Program
 1982 - Formed Gospel Cathedral Day Care Program
 1984 - Gospel Cathedral Community Outreach Center
 1985 - Founded the New Jersey Citizens Newspaper

 1986 - Started in Radio at WNJR in Newark – Now broadcasting from his own radio station at
WSNR 620 AM Saturdays 12:00 AM to 10:00 AM and Sundays 12:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Rev. Durr’s vision expanded even further in 1993, when he incorporated The Restoration Center, Inc., a nonprofit organization that became a lifeline for vulnerable populations across New Jersey. Through this work, he initiated a wide range of social service programs such as:
 1993 – The Restoration Center Inc. Bus Company – Buses are available for all occasions
 1993 – Community Drop-In Center & Emergency Shelter
 1996 – The Urban Boot Camp was developed
 1997 – The Veteran’s Drop in Center
 2004 – The Restoration Center, Inc. Transitional Housing Facility
 2007 – Developed the Prison Re-entry Program
 2008 – Intensive Out-Patient (IOP) Clinic
 2016 – Doc’s Waffle House
His leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to service earned him numerous honors, including recognition from the State of New Jersey Senate, former Mayor Sharpe James, current Mayor Ras Baraka, the Essex County Board of Freeholders, Feed the Children, and many other organizations that witnessed the breadth of his impact.
Rev. Durr’s work marks the culmination of a remarkable career – one fueled by passion, faith, and a profound dedication to uplifting others. He leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. His influence lives on in the institutions he built, the programs he created, and the countless lives he
touched.
During his transition, he was lovingly cared for by his granddaughter Stefonie Durr, and his “adopted” son Aaron Horner.
Rev. Durr was preceded in death by his daughter Bridgette Durr, his parents, and all four of his siblings; Nathalie, Addie B, Mary Ann, and his twin brother Johnny.

Rev. Durr leaves to cherish his memories; 5
children, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and The Gospel Cathedral Baptist Church Family, who will carry forward his memory with honor and pride.