Jackie Durden

Jacquelyn “Jackie” Durden, 77, of Dublin Georgia, passed away after a short illness on October 26, 2020, with her family by her side.

Jackie was born January 4, 1943, to Jack and Ann Kornegay of Dothan Alabama. She graduated from Dothan High School and attended Auburn University. She married the love of her life, George Durden, on August 3, 1962, and recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. The couple has lived in Dublin, Georgia for 48 years.

Jackie worked various jobs throughout her life including clerical work at Fairview Park Hospital, sewing shop owner, and working in the tax assessor’s office.  She was a licensed realtor and co-owner of the Durden & Kornegay Century 21 office.

Jackie was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important — living a life with those you love. First and foremost, she was a dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved being Mim to her four grandchildren. She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her feel comfortable and accepted. She made friends everywhere she went and was an active member of the community.

Jackie prioritized her faith and was a long-time, active member of Pine Forest United Methodist Church. She cherished singing in the Chancel Choir, serving as the children’s choir director, and participating in the CIA Sunday school class as a member and teacher. Additionally, she served on several church administrative boards throughout the years.  She was also a member of several bible study groups within the community.

Her life was a living example of her favorite bible passage, Psalm 23.

Jackie loved to have fun and had many different hobbies and interests. She was a member of the Dublin Country Club, Dublin Service League, and Erin Garden Club. She served on the board of directors for the Dublin-Laurens Art Council as well as an ambassador for the Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce.  Jackie also worked with the Laurens County Board of Voter Registration & Elections for over 20 years. She looked forward to hosting supper clubs, traveling for adventure, and rooting for the Auburn Tigers. She enjoyed cooking family recipes, gardening, reading, celebrations, holiday traditions, and wearing fabulous earrings.  She fiercely competed in and frequently won games of Jeopardy, Bridge, and Mahjong. One of her favorite traditions was the family Hilton Head beach week which she planned for the past 25 years.

Jackie is survived by her loving husband: George Durden, of Dublin; two adoring children: Jeffrey Durden (Khara), of Richmond, VA, and Jennifer Vacala (Dan), of Savannah; and brother, Gary Kornegay (Susan), of Savannah. She is also survived by four beloved grandchildren; Jakob Durden, Hannah Durden, Peyton Gruber (Sam), and Lane Vacala. Jackie was predeceased by her brother, Stan Kornegay, and parents.  All of these she loved and touched deeply.

Jackie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, family member, and friend to so many. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, November 1, 2020, at Northview Cemetery. Dr. Joel Dent, Rev. Steve Patton, and Josh Echols will officiate. Townsend Brothers Funeral Home and staff respectfully ask all in attendance to please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

If you are unable to attend the graveside service due to COVID-related health concerns, the family will be planning a celebration of life at a later date.

The family requests all friends and family to sign the online guest book at www.townsendfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to WINGS, P.O. Box 8277, Dublin, GA 31040.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jackie Durden, please visit our floral store.