Retha Jean Duren

Retha Jean Duren Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and friend to many passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the age of 88.

Jean was born on July 13, 1936, at Kirby, Arkansas to Roy and Ada Brewer Cowart. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 61 years, Harlon Duren and three brothers, Ocie Cowart (Evelyn), Kennith Cowart (Jane) and Sonny Cowart (Carolyn).

She was member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, a former employee of Allied Telephone Company in Glenwood, the Pike County Judges office at Murfreesboro, Wright’s Food Center in Glenwood, and a devout Democrat. She was a people person and never met a stranger, she loved music and enjoyed listening to her favorite gospel singer, Jimmy Swaggart, watching Polka dancing, cooking, being with family and friends and traveling. 

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children: Keith and Diane Duren of Hollywood and Lisa Duren of Kirby; grandsons, Wes (Aeryn) Duren of Bismarck, Cliff (Sarah) Duren of Ft. Smith; her precious great granddaughter Amelia (Mia) Duren, cousin/sister Marie (Murtress) Hall of Huntington, Indiana; lifelong and dearest friend Janelle Fant, and treasured friends Lana Turner and Kelly Dodson. Jean will be missed, but remembered for her strength, energetic personality and love of life. 

The family would like to thank Dr. John Howell, Elite Home Health, Gentiva Hospice and RN Kelly Helms for their loving care.

 Pallbearers will be Wes Duren, Cliff Duren, Kevin Fant, Doak Dodson, Lynn Tolleson and Wes Johns. Honorary Pallbearer: Lee Whisenhunt 

Funeral services will be Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Glenwood with Bro. Kevin Jewell and Bro. Robbie Horn officiating. 

Visitation will be Wednesday February 12, 2025, from 5:00-7:00pm.

 Interment will be held at Bear Creek Cemetery in Kirby.