Helen Tripp Durden, age 93, passed away Thursday, September 16, 2021 at Perfect Care. A native of Leslie, she was born February 14, 1928 to the late Willie James and Laura Lou Swearingen Tripp. She graduated from Union High in Leslie. After marrying John Harold Durden, she was employed at the University of Georgia for many years while her husband was obtaining his degree in Veterinary Medicine. After he graduated, they moved to Albany, Ga., for a few years, until moving back to Sumter County in DeSoto. She began working at Farmers & Merchant Bank after returning home and continued to work there until the late 70's. After leaving Farmers & Merchant Bank, she went to work in the Education Department at Georgia Southwestern State University, where she retired in the mid 90's. She dearly loved her family, her grand-dog Timber, and her Georgia Bulldogs. The family would like to thank Marsha Robinson for her friendship over the last year, the staff at Perfect Care, Phoebe Hospice, and also thank her dear friend Judy Spann for always coming to visit on a regular basis. You are each so special and we appreciate each of for your kindness during these past few months. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 1:00 PM at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel with Rev. Wesley Kaylor and Rev. Mike Davis officiating. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers include, Jimmy Nelson, Paul Hendley, James Brantley, Nate Milledge, Tift Pace, and Winfred Hines. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be the Georgia Southwestern Athletic team. Visitation will be at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel on Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The family will also receive friends at the home of John Shannon & Hollie Taylor, 5538 GA. Hwy 26 E. Ellaville, GA. 31806. Survivors include a daughter, Debra Durden Sloan of Americus; grandson, John Shannon Taylor and his wife Hollie of Ellaville; great-grandchildren, Sloan Mallorie Taylor and Laural Love Taylor, both from Ellaville. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind a special friend Marsha Robinson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by beloved husband Dr. John Harold Durden, who passed away on November 13, 1995; brothers, James Wesley Tripp, Charles Russell Tripp, Wilburn Leroy "Buck" Tripp, Jess Willard Tripp, and Otis Tripp, Sr.; and sisters, Jessie Tripp, Eunice Tripp Nelson, Winnie Estoria Tripp Spillers, and Annie Mae Tripp Faircloth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to be made to Sumter Humane Society, 108 Industrial Blvd. Americus, GA. 31709 or to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, PO Box 1434 Americus, GA. 31709.

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