Lurene McDuffy
Lurene Heard McDuffy “Lorene” was born August 9, 1938, in Camp Hill, Al., to Irene Henderson Allen and the late Ned Grady Heard. On September 11, 2014, at Vanderbilt Medical Center, in Nashville, Lurene’s passage to eternal life was fulfilled when she was called to her eternal home.
She was the eldest of seven children. Her brother, Grady Heard preceded her in death. She possessed character traits that radiated kindness, love and concern for others. She had a sense of humor and a way of lifting other’s spirits with a bright smile.
At an early age, Lurene’s spiritual journey began. She confessed Jesus Christ her savior and was baptized and joined Ozias Missionary Baptist Church, Camp Hill, Alabama. She later became affiliated with Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Chattanooga. As a devoted member, she served faithfully until her passing. Her love and loyalty to the church was very important to her. She was involved in several church ministries. Her most fulfilling church service was the Greater Friendship Baptist Usher Board. She also loved attending Sunday school and Bible Study.
Lurene’s spirit, drive and willingness to help others also impacted others outside of her church. She was an active member of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Baptist District Association Women’s Ministry and the Nursing Home Ministry. She served many years as an assistant registrar for the Hamilton County Election Commission.
Those who will cherish beautiful memories of Lurene’s kindness and love include three devoted daughters, Teresa (Joe) Moorer, Chattanooga; Cynthia (Langston) Walker, Atlanta; and Angela Mallard, Chattanooga; two sisters, Mae Lizzie Foreman, Dadeville, Al., and Mary Allen, Chattanooga; three brothers, Sandy Allen, Horace Allen and Herman (Beverly) Allen, Chattanooga; one granddaughter, Tara Slater; one great-grandson, Marcus Slater; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, at 914 Park Ave., with Reverend Jimmie Ingram officiating. Interment will be in Lakewood Memory Gardens – East.
The body will lie in state after noon on Tuesday, Sept. 16, and the family will receive friends from 6–7 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.