Florena Jenkins Durden, age 99 and a resident of Franklinton, died at 4:28 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2014, at Good Samaritan Nursing Home. She was married to her husband Russell Durden for 57 years. She was a 1933 graduate of Franklinton High School, where she was an accomplished basketball player. She attended Pearl River Jr. College on a scholarship for her basketball ability. She, alongside her family, operated Durden Brothers Grocery in Franklinton for many years. Mrs. Flo was a longtime dedicated Christian and a member of Trinity Baptist Church that stayed very active in life by doing her yard work and excellent cooking even into her later years. Mrs. Flo had perfected her chocolate cake, and it was a priority at all the family gatherings. She continued to have basketball and sports play a role in her life as she enjoyed following the exploits of her grandchildren and later her great-grandchildren. Time spent playing dominoes and cards with her family and friends were some of her favorite memories. She was always a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Paul Alford of Mt. Hermon; daughter-in-law, Linda Durden of Franklinton; two granddaughters and spouses, Theresa and Gene Consterdine of Baton Rouge and Debbie and Lance Jarrell of Franklinton; four great-grandchildren, Victoria Consterdine, Haleigh Consterdine, Taylor Jarrell and Preston Jarrell; sister, Charline Spencer of Franklinton; brother and sister-in-law: Rex and Laura Jenkins of Kingston, Tenn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Durden, a son, William Russell “Bill” Durden, daughter, Candis Lorena Durden, her parents, Charlie Thomas Jenkins and Zula McCain Jenkins, a grandson, Preston Alford, and four brothers, R.L. Jenkins, Errol Jenkins, Larry Jenkins and Chester Jenkins.

Visitation was at Crain Funeral Home Monday, June 9, from 9 am until 11 am. A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with Bro. Joe Baugh and Bro. Stan Statham officiating. Burial followed in the Morris Cemetery.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.