Lenell Durham

Lenell Durham, affectionately known as “Skeeta” to all those who knew and loved her, was born December 31, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to the late Willie Richard and Nellie Kate Durham.

She was educated in the Detroit Public School System. Lenell accepted Christ at an early age. She was briefly employed as a Professional Cleaner. In the 1970s Lenell met her long term partner, Norman Parker (who proceeded her in death). To their union, they loved and raised four sons. She loved her family and gained an abundance of friends, whom she grew to love as family along her journey. She would sit on Jefferson Avenue, on beautiful spring and summer days socializing with friends and waving at passersby. You could always count on her being outside. Lenell enjoyed trips to the casino and playing cards was her favorite past time.

Lenell was a social butterfly. Always laughing and enjoying life. She was the life of the party and would constantly sing and dance. At every family event she would create a dance floor and “turn it out” doing the “Cha Cha Slide” or dancing and singing to the Blues, with “My Last Two Dollars” and “Down Home Blues” being two of her favorites.

On Friday, August 2, 2024, Lenell left her earthly home and ascended to the heavens where she was greeted by her partner, Norman Parker (Bug), her parents (Kate and Richard), and eldest son Marlon all of whom she missed immensely. At the time of her transition, Lenell was surrounded by the love of her children.

Lenell leaves to cherish her memory her loving sons, Norman, Michael (DeAndre) and Demetrius (Arelia). Four grandchildren, Diamond, Malaysia, Isaiah and Brooklyn and three Great Grandchildren. Siblings, Willie “Clarence” Smith (Gwendolyn) of Greensboro, GA, Barbara Durham (Richard) and Rosemary Durham of Detroit, MI. Mary Hutchinson (Kenneth), Richard Durham (Pauletta), Willie “Leon” Durham and Joyce Key (Robert), all of whom proceeded her in death; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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