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Gloria Seale Durham, 94, died on Sunday, October 20, after a long illness at Wesley Village in Wilmore, Ky. She was born on December 25, 1929, to Lillie and Dane Seale in Ravenna, Ky. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, and friend. Gloria received Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of seven while attending Ravenna Methodist Church with her parents and sister, Peggy. Her godly Christian parents led their girls in daily devotions, and they attended church services weekly while their mother played the organ and piano and their father sang in the choir. Gloria was faithful to her Lord all her life. Gloria was a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College. She received her master’s degree from Bellarmine College. Gloria taught school for 37 years at grade levels ranging from kindergarten through college. She considered her highest calling to be a Christ follower, wife, and mother. Before her daughter Peggy started school, Gloria and her husband Bill Harrell changed professions to enable Gloria to be a stay-at-home mom. Bill became Director of Campus Activities at the Methodist Children’s Home in Versailles, Ky., and the family lived on campus. Gloria was an able partner in this endeavor.Once Peggy began first grade, Gloria and Bill returned to teaching and coaching, respectively, in the Shelby County Schools. Gloria and Peggy drove to school together through Peggy’s 7th grade year. Gloria and Bill served at Centenary Methodist Church in Shelbyville with Bill as a lay pastor and Gloria as one of the church organists.When Gloria moved to Lexington, she became a member of Centenary Methodist Church. After several years, she joined Immanuel Baptist Church where her family was in attendance. Gloria’s later years were blessed by the birth of her precious grandson, Christopher Parr. She helped Peggy homeschool Christopher during his elementary school years. She was a member of an Intercessory Prayer Group led by her dear friend Margaret Therkelsen for many years.Gloria is survived by her daughter Peggy H. Parr, Ph.D. (Dr. Jeff Parr), grandson Christopher W. Parr (Kara Beth), sister Peggy Snowden, nephews Mark (Mary Leigh) and Dane (Linda) Snowden, and their children, her great-nephews and nieces, and two special friends, Pauline Holovak and Erin Myers. The viewing is to be at 10 a.m. with the funeral at noon on Saturday, October 26, at the Tates Creek Campus of Immanuel Baptist Church in the Sisk Chapel. Rev. Gene Parr, Jr. will officiate. Pallbearers are Jeff and Christopher Parr, Mark and Dane Snowden, Brad Byrum and Jake Deshler. The family wishes to thank the kind and caring staff of Holloway Cottage at Wesley Village. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Immanuel Baptist Church, Lexington, Ky. or Samaritans Purse in Boone, NC.
Rolan G. Taylor Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.