Read Harry James Duren's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Harry James Duren

Bellerose, NY, USA

October 31, 1944 - May 20, 2021

Oct 31, 1944 - May 20, 2021

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Harry James Duren was born October 31, 1944 in Conway, South Carolina to Wyatt and Ruby Duren (Giles). While he was still young the family moved to Brooklyn, New York in the Williamsburg Houses. Harry's siblings arrived shortly thereafter, first Carl Stanley Duren and then the baby girl Joyce Ann Duren. Harry’s childhood friend, Robert Brown, who lived just upstairs was being raised by his faithful mother Myrtle Brown, one of Jehovah’s Witness. Sister Brown offered to study the Bible with Harry at the age of 12 and gratefully he accepted. Myrtle Brown invited a young friend of hers, Felicia Hyman to join her on one of Harry’s studies. His love for what he learned caused him to dedicate his life to Jehovah God and was baptized on June 23,1961. As Harry’s interest in the Bible continued to grow, so did his interest in that young sister, Felicia. The feelings were mutual, and they exchanged wedding vows on June 11, 1966. The newlyweds welcomed their first child Kimberly in August 1967, their second child, Lisa in 1970, and in 1980 they welcomed their baby boy James.

Highlights from Harry’s life include his love of Jehovah, his family, friends, art, laughing, music, photography, roller-coasters, and travel. Harry’s interest in art started at a young age, and progressed to include abstract art, oil paintings, and coal drawings. He used his skills most rewardingly at conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Sign Department; which included painting free hand when needed. His interest ultimately led to employment with the NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority in the sign shop. Harry also loved music, his favorites were Jazz and Salsa, which always gave him an opportunity to dance! He had a vast collection of records, tapes, and CDs, but none were played more often than, “So What” by Miles Davis and “Oye Como Va” by Tito Puente.

Harry looked forward to family outings and vacations. The outings often included trips with friends to beaches, state parks, and various theme parks. Harry had a deep appreciation for the beauty found in Jehovah’s creation and His people. This led Harry to pick up photography as a hobby, and his camera went wherever he did. Although being “just a hobby” he always strived to get the perfect shot as we all patiently waited.

Peering deeper, you will find that serving Jehovah and caring for His people was Harry’s life. He engaged in assisting his spiritual family with making good medical decisions when needed, and helped his neighbors to learn the true value of the Bible and worshiping Jehovah God. Harry’s spiritual life included giving public talks and working behind the scenes at local conventions, and attending international conventions. His activities built in his family an appreciation for the spiritual brotherhood, and taught his family that working for Jehovah comes first.

From Brittany - My grandfather was a huge inspiration for my creativity and work ethic. He saw beauty in abnormal things and unique people. He worked hard to make sure everyone felt loved, thought about, and cared for. He worked from day to night even on his days ‘off’ and LOVED and put his heart into everything he did. He put his all into every project he participated in, to the point that sometimes it was hard not to view them as perfect. He was kind to those who were struggling and treated them with dignity, respect, and love. He accepted all into his family and made everyone feel right at home. Thanks to him our family has a large extended family of love and support. We all continue to share thoughts and ideas of his that keep him in our memory and are in Jehovah's as well. I'm so grateful to have had a grandfather that instilled values in me that will help me succeed and build loving, meaningful relationships with others, as well as putting my all into everything I do. I hope others remember him the same way and share the same wonderful experiences they’ve had with him with others who didn’t get the chance to know him. I’m thankful he was part of an organization that works so hard to see each other again even after death. It is his faith that was heavily responsible for the beautiful person he was and will continue to be in paradise when everyone will be united with him once again.

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