Elizabeth Ellen Durant

ELIZABETH ELLEN DURANT, the beloved daughter of the late Sam and Margaret (Riley) Harvin, was born on August 7, 1949, in Baltimore, Maryland. She came into the world at her mother Margaret’s home, aided by a midwife. Elizabeth received her education in the Baltimore Public School system, attending Josiah Diggs Elementary and Venable Junior and Senior High School. She later pursued a career in nursing, completing her training at PTC Career Institute. At age 19, she met James Durant, her first and only love. They were married on June 17, 1972, and their lives were forever changed. Their union spanned fifty-three cherished years, during which James lovingly upheld his wedding vows to her. Growing up she enjoyed dancing and watching western movies. As she progressed in life, she found a love for poetry, sewing, and cooking. Her signature dishes were sweet potato pie, banana pudding, pound cake, and curry chicken. She dedicated her professional life to caring for others and worked at Charlestown Retirement Community. Prior to her entering the nursing field, she had various entrepreneurial endeavors. She worked at Polk Audio and Misty Harbor Factories where she formed lifelong friendships. Elizabeth was a worshiper, and she gave her life to God in her early years. She was a Sunday School teacher and served at New Frontiers of Faith Baptist Church and Mount Moriah Baptist Church. She later discovered the Sabbath and became a Head Deaconess at Baltimore City Seventh Day Adventist Church. She devoted her time and effort in evangelistic work which included giving food and clothing to the homeless. She did not have much but opened her home to people who did not have a place to stay. It was not unusual for her to give the last of anything she had to help someone. She later became a member of Miracle City Church and attended services until her illness no longer allowed her to. She continued to worship God and lived a life of prayer and surrender to His will. She had faith beyond what she could see in the natural. She loved her family deeply. She would often gift her family members with many things from her trips to her favorite stores simply because she saw a need and did not ask for anything in return. Walmart, Target,Roses, and any place she could find a bargain were amongst her favorite stores. Elizabeth and James were blessed with four children. Sadly, their third child preceded her in death. Elizabeth leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by her two daughters, Shawnte Nicole and Jaime Clarice (Fiancé William), and her son, James Sam. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Sierria, Tyrone, Ajanay, Serenity, and Kayson; great-grandchildren: Chase, Chazity, Blessing, Zariyah, Tyon, Kyree, Amir, Chloe, Aubrey, Kaleb, Noah, Sincere, and Noelle. Elizabeth’s memory will also be treasured by her sisters, Patricia Curtis and Alice Truesdale; her brothers, Sammie Harvin and Willie Oliver; her sisters-in-law, Shirley, Elouise, Barbara, Natossia, Francine, Lisa, Betty, and Mary; her brothers-in-law, Smith, Tyrone, Roy, Leroy, Daniel, John, and Alvin; siblings-in-love, Horace Sr, Tara, Joanne, and Marsha; godchildren, Allen, April, Tonya, Danielle, and Deaja; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and very dear friends who were with her throughout her life’s journey. Some incredibly special girlfriends blessed Elizabeth’s life with the gift of friendship and sisterhood, and they know who they are. Her memory will live on with them. Elizabeth’s warmth, strength, and love will forever be etched in the hearts of all who knew her.

Tributes

Elizabeth Ellen Durant

August 7, 1949 - December 31, 2024