Mattie "Lucy" Durrett Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mrs. Mattie “Lucy” Durrett, age 91, left her earthly body with dignity on July 24, 2019 with her husband and family members by her side at her home. Lucy was born in Heard County, GA, July 27, 1927, daughter of the late Dossie and Gertrude Gillespie. Lucy was a devoted daughter, sister to eight siblings, wife, mother and grandmother. A young woman of strong character and the oldest child at home at the time, she began working to support her family at the age of fifteen at the local cotton mill. She would work there in dedication for 10 years. On July 5, 1952 Lucy married the love of her life and best friend, Virlyn Durrett. They started their family in Rome, GA and had two sons, Joel and Brent. Having just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary, theirs has been a lifelong commitment and an example to their family and friends of deep and steadfast love, honor and devotion. Her beloved husband, Virlyn, has tirelessly cared for Lucy and met her every need in the comfort of their home for over 20 years. The source of their strength and love rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, his determination to care for her at home has been a tribute to the love they have shared for the greater part of their lives. Lucy gave her life to Christ at the age of 31 in Rome, GA. Lucy would spend the remainder of her adult life serving the Lord with all her gifts and talents in more ways than we can count as an active member of Garden Lakes Baptist Church. She was a beloved friend and sister to many women in her Circle group where they prayed and studied God’s word together. She lived out her faith serving in the WMU, Vacation Bible School, Wednesday night suppers and sharing her gift of cooking by preparing delicious meals and countless pound-cakes among other treats for those in need. Never the recipient of a degree or diploma, one of Lucy’s greatest marks on this world and to those who knew her was as a teacher of prayer and trusting in God. Even in her very last years as illness stole so many things from her, she would speak out to pray a prayer of thanksgiving and whisper prayers with her husband. Lucy’s example of faith and prayer has led many to Christ. Lucy’s life was dedicated to her love for her family. She had a few jobs in Rome over the years at Hancock Fabrics and the Rome Casket company, but her greatest work was displayed as a multi-talented homemaker for the majority of her life. Her family members were the greatest beneficiaries of her labors of love. Quite the talented seamstress, with patient and diligence she sewed countless dresses for granddaughters, cross-stitched, quilted and proved the ability to learn handcrafts of every kind as she created beautiful works of art for family and friends. With a vibrant personality and great sense of humor, she hosted many an annual gathering of her large group of Gillespie siblings and their spouses, including her sister Bernice who was married to Virlyn’s brother, Eugene. The four of them shared a special relationship with many vacations and memories made in here in Rome, GA. She loved to bake and cook meals for her family and spend time with her grandchildren. There are not enough words to express the impact her love and example of patience and kindness has had on their lives. She leaves a legacy of love to her survivors: husband, Virlyn Durrett of Rome, GA; son, Joel Durrett (Leesa) of Toccoa; son, Brent Durrett (Diane) of Rome; granddaughters Mandi Durrett Johnson (Jeremy) of Rome; Liz Durrett (Eric) of Athens; Sarah Durrett Peek (Patrick) of Rome; Emily Durrett Wetzel (Tyler) of Atlanta; grandson Ben Durrett of Ft. Oglethorpe; and 10 great grandchildren (Joel, Isaiah, Nuluu, Lucy, Fred, Olivia, Owen, Anna Ruth, Eli and Barrett). She is also survived by her brother Gene Gillespie (Reba Jean) of Bremen and beloved sister Sonja Griffin of Newnan, many beloved nieces and nephews, and honorary family member and devoted daily caregiver of the last 8 years, Teresa Watkins of Rome (the family is forever grateful). Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon this Saturday 27th day, July , 2019 at Good Shepherd Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Skelton officiating. Internment will follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11 am until service hour on Saturday at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 2750 Shorter Ave., Rome, GA 30165. Please visit our website, www.goodshepherdfh.net to post tributes. Parnick Jennings, Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.

Mattie "Lucy" Durrett

July 27, 1927 - July 24, 2019

About Us

What We Do

Video

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information