Desiree Gwendolyn Durden

Desirée Gwendolyn Durden was born on September 21, 1956 in Brooklyn, New York. The only child of Russell Lowell Durden and Benie Neely Durden, Desirée was educated in the New York City public schools, and was employed by that system for many years as a School Safety Officer.

“Desi”, as she was lovingly called, lived a life devoted to children and spending quality time with family and friends.  She was especially close to her cousins Teresa Garrett and Denise Dunn. Together, they went on many trips here in the United States as well as several cruises in celebration of her birthdays.

One of Desi's favorite hobbies was cooking. She enjoyed creating special dishes and sharing them with friends and family; however, the dish that was loved by all was her famous fried chicken.

Desi's health began to fail within the past three years.  As her health declined, she was well taken care of by her dedicated mother, Benie, a friend Sharon Horne, and her home attendant Shelly Jones.

Desi departed this life on Monday, October 21, 2019.  She was preceded in death by her dear father Russell Durden, her loving grandparents: Benjamin and Willie Neely, and Gwendolyn Durden.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted mother Benie; her godmother Yvonne Frieson; her godbrothers: Daryl and Eddie; her sister-friend Lisa Logan; her godson Miles Logan; her aunt Naomi Segers; a cousin Maryo Elaine Hunter; and a host of adopted aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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