Bettie T. Durham, 91, of Orange, Texas, passed away on February 8, 2019, in Vidor, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 15, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Pastor Jeff Bell. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange, Texas.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 14, 2019, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Port Arthur, Texas, on November 8, 1927, she was the daughter of Carl Christian Tranberg and Winnie Elizabeth (Chessher) Tranberg. Bettie attended Port Arthur College where she met her husband, Dean Durham, and they later married on August 31, 1947. She enjoyed her years as a homemaker and then later working at First Christian Church and the Dispute Resolution Center. Bettie was a member of the Pilot Club and a former member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She enjoyed taking care of her rose bushes, but most of all she loved taking care of her family. Bettie was a devoted wife and mother, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dean M. Durham; her parents, Carl and Winnie Tranberg; her brother, Nick Wilkins, and her sons-in-law, Lindsey Slaten and Keith Van Winkle.
She is survived by her children, Karen Jean Van Winkle of Orange, Danna Beth Durham of Orange, Paul David Durham of Orange, and Carl Dean Durham of Lufkin; her grandchildren, Jennifer Durham, Marshall Van Winkle, Bethany Slaten, Aaron Jones, Dean Durham, Susan Durham, Lindsey Slaten, Elliot Slaten, and Jessie Mae Madera; and her great-grandchildren, Addisynn Gillum and Makynnzie Creel.
Serving as pallbearers will be Paul Durham, Marshall Van Winkle, Aaron Jones, David Short, Daniel Creel, and Dylan McGuire.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at
https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html
or PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 7312.
Condolences
Jb Ross / Cousin
February 15, 2019
My cousin Bettie was one of the first people I trusted to teach me to swim, thank you my beautiful lady. She was one of the most loving and devoted to family and friends I have known. I cherish having her in my family .Much love to all . JB Ross
Anonymous
February 13, 2019
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Bettie T. Durham.
Neches Clinic, Llp & Staff
February 12, 2019
Neches Clinic, LLP & Staff purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Bettie T. Durham.
Dutch Price
February 12, 2019
So sorry for your loss Carl and Karen. I loved your mom so much. She was my mentor for many years during our relationship. I remember when Carl and Karen first came into her life. I never saw her happier than those two important moments in her life. Love you both, Dutch
Karen Vance
February 11, 2019
My name is Karen Wright Vance. I graduated in ‘73 from Lutcher Stark High School and grew up in Roselawn. I believe Carl graduated & grew up with me and is the Carl our Class Of ‘73 has been looking for to send Reunion Invitations. If this is correct, please have Carl email me so we can keep in touch with him. Karen Jo Wright Vance (I grew up on Bridal Wreath) Karenjovance@gmail.com
Sara Beth Tearall
February 11, 2019
I am so sorry. Your mom was a special lady. She always had a smile on her face when I saw her. You and all of us were truly blessed to know her and have her cross our path.