Elizabeth Joanne Durham

Elizabeth “Jo” Durham, 83, passed away, unexpectedly, on Sunday, July 27, 2025.  She was born on October 8, 1941 in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Ralph and Lucille Youngblood.

Jo was the devoted wife of Walter H. Durham for 62 years until his passing in 2020. Together they raised three girls, Terri, Debi and Sandi.  Being an Air Force wife, she kept her family and home together while Walt was away.  After many years stationed in San Antonio, Texas the family moved home to Jacksonville, Florida.  Once their daughters were grown, they took up Western Dancing as their hobby.  They joined and danced many years with the Classic Country Dancers where they found true, lifelong friendships that were very precious to her.

Jo’s life revolved around her family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them.  She loved her family very much. The house was always a gathering place for family, friends and all her “ Adopted” kids and grandkids.  On the weekends, you could always find her at the center of a group, gathered around the kitchen table playing Phase 10, or some other such game.  She loved sharing her passion for crafting, music, and cooking with all who would join her.  She instilled strength and graciousness into each of her girls and grandchildren. 

Jo was very active with her Masonic Family.  She was active with the Order of the Eastern Star for 61 years, during which she was Worthy Matron twice, once in Riverview Chapter #265 and in Wesconnett Chapter #247.  Jo enjoyed her work with the Masonic youth through the International Organization of Rainbow for Girls where she was Mother Advisor of Wesconnett Assembly #84 for many years, inspiring Faith, Hope and Charity in many young women along the way.

Jo was predeceased by her loving parents, Ralph and Lucille Youngblood; her devoted husband, Walt Durham, her brother, Wayne Youngblood, and sister, Shirley Youngblood.

Jo is survived by her brother, Jim (Eleanor) Youngblood, daughters, Theresa (Bo) DuBoise, S. Debra (Marty) Gulbrand, and Sandra (Tony) French; grandchildren, Veronica (Dane) Doolittle, Edna Moore, Cheryl (JR) Benveniste, Kristy Workman, Denise Holbert, Brittany (Collin) Woods, Tommy (Brittany) Gulbrand, Stacy (Jeff) Heidel, Allen Gulbrand, Jennifer (Lamar) Porter, and Michael French; great-grandchildren, Kaley Doolittle, Jordyn Doolittle, Cody Doolittle, Natalia(Levi) Lynette, Hayley Prociak, Joshua (Lexi) Benveniste, Taylor Workman, Melissa Ingraca, Clayton Gulbrand, Kailynn Gulbrand, Kendall Gulbrand, Easton Heidel, Everly Heidel, Jocelyn Porter and Conner Porter; great-great- grandchildren, Paisley Mae Ricks and Ryatt Lynette, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life sat 3:00 p.m. both at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, Florida 32073, (904) 264-1233. Officiating the service is Brian Poole.

Interment will be held at a later date, where she will be reunited with the love of her life, at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.

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