Henrietta McClure Burge Durrett died on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, at the age of 91. She was born in Fouke, Arkansas, on November 4, 1929, to Lucius Eugene Burge, Sr. and Addie McClure Burge. She had one brother, L. E. Burge, Jr.
After moving frequently during her childhood, she graduated from El Dorado High School in 1947. She spent 32 years working for Lion Oil Company, and then worked 13 years for Transport Company until her retirement.
Henrietta married George Walton “Smiley” Durrett in 1950, and they had one son, Craig Walton Durrett. She cherished Craig as he grew up and became a respected journalist. During his trips back home she loved serving his Southern favorites like turnip greens, pork chops, and hot water cornbread. She adored his children and their young families who were the lights of her life.
Always known for being fun-loving, “Hen” enjoyed many high school reunions through the years, and she even sent Christmas cards at age 89 that included a picture of herself sitting on Santa’s knee. She loved traveling to North Arkansas to see the fall foliage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, husband, and son, and is survived by daughter-in-law Miriam Durrett, granddaughter Elizabeth Rose and husband John, grandson Philip Durrett and wife Marie, and by her great-grandsons, Andrew Rose and Isaac Durrett.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2021 in Young’s Chapel, with visitation following. Please wear masks and observe social distancing. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 3209 West Hillsboro St., El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com