Ms. Jacquelyn L. Durden
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Jacquelyn's obituary
JACQUELYN LOIS DURDEN (“Jaqui”) was born on July 31, 1951 to the late Essie Howard and the
late Jessie Kate Motley-Clark in City Hospital, Newark, NJ, which later transitioned to The Harrison S.
Martland Center and later College Hospital, University of Medicine & Dentistry and now, Rutgers –
The State University of New Jersey.
Jaqui accepted Christ as her Savior as a 10-year old child at First Mt. Zion Baptist Church located
on Thomas Street in Newark, NJ. She was baptized by Rev. Frank Rogers on November 3, 1961,
along with her sister, Karrol. Jaqui later re-dedicated her life to Christ and joined Mt. Carmel Church
under the leadership of Pastor Robert J. Cameron and continued in faith and fellowship while serving
as a trustee for many years. Mt. Carmel became her spiritual family under the leadership of
Pastor Greg Pilato.
Education
As an attendee of the Newark Public School System, Jaqui completed her primary education at
Bergen Street Elementary School. She earned her High School Diploma as a dedicated “Rough-Rider”
from West Side High School in June of 1969 and went on to pursue higher education. She received her
Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Rutgers University (Newark Campus) in 1990. In 1994,
she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ.
She began her nursing career at St. Michael’s Medical Center as a Medi-Surg Nurse in 1993, for one
year. She went on to work for Visiting Nurse Association for one year. Jacqui then became an employee of the Newark Board of Education as a School Nurse at Mt. Vernon School for 10 years. She later
became a school nurse at Hawkins Street School for 12 years until her retirement in 2016. She worked
for the Newark Board of Education for a total of 22 years of service.
Jaqui had many gifts and talents from God! She was gifted in singing, acting, cooking, interior decorating, visual arts, and hair braiding. She was also an exceptional seamstress.
Jacquelyn passed from time into eternity on the morning of Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Robert
Wood Johnson Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, surrounded by her children and ushered into
glory with prayer and singing by faith in Christ “ It is Well”, as God’s Word is the final authority.
Jaqui leaves to cherish her memory and carry her legacy,
Her four children . . .
Mr. Andre L. Durden (LaGwyn) of Fortville, Indiana; Ms. Antonya Durden-Osei of Newark, New Jersey;
Mr. Daamin Durden (Felicia) of Newark, New Jersey; and Ms. Abena Mensah-Bonsu of Edison, New
Jersey.
Her Daughters-in-Law . . .
LaGwyn Durden of Fortville, Indiana, and Felicia M. Fair of Newark, New Jersey.
Her siblings – 3 Devoted Sisters. . .
Ms. Jean E. Durden of Newark, NJ (Isaiah Jordan); Mrs. Stella L. Toler (the Late Elder Gilbert R. Toler,
Sr.); and Mrs. Karrol Brandywine-Griggs (Timothy) of Eastvale, California.
Her Brothers-in-Law . . .
Mr. Isaiah Jordan of Newark, New Jersey; the Late Elder Gilbert R. Toler, Sr.; Mr. Timothy Griggs of
Eastvale, California.
Her Ten Grandchildren . . .
Mr. Umar Al-Akbar Shakoor James of Newark, NJ; Mr. Esau Isaiah Head of Edison, NJ; Mr. Marquise
M. Knott of Durham, NC; Mr. Elijah Immanuel Head of Newark, NJ; Mr. Caleb Reece Durden of Fortville,
Indiana; Miss Eden Imaan Ferguson of Newark, NJ; Miss Destiny M. Knott of Newark, NJ; Miss Jadyn
Sinclaire Durden of Fortville, Indiana; Miss Egypt Imaari Ferguson of Newark, NJ; Mr. Khadir Dhaamin Ali
of Newark, NJ
Her Three Great-Grandchildren . . .
Arionna Rayne James of Norfolk, VA; Kristiana Ella Rose James of PA; and Amir Shakoor James of Nor-
folk, VA.
Her Alpha Nephew (her first baby) Mr. Keith Durden
Her Omega Nephew (and only godson) Mr. Eric Toler
Two Special Lifetime Family Friends, who are family to us, “Aunt” Judy Joyner and “Aunt” Terry
Jones-Johnson
Her Former Life Partner, Mr. Michael Mensah-Bonsu
Jaqui leaves to cherish her memory a host of Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces & Nephews, Cousins,
Extended Family & Friends.
She was preceded in death by her Father, Mr. Essie Howard, her Mother, Mrs. Jessie K. Motley-Clark,
three Uncles – James Lee Motley, Charlie Luther Motley and Freddie Lewis Motley; one Aunt Lillie Mae
Harvin and one niece, Genee Marie Toler (“Reenie”).
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