Mr. Allen Durham

Mr. Allen Durham, 81, of Peoria, Illinois transitioned to his heavenly home at 10:38 am on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Carle Methodist Hospital. Allen was born in Brinkley, Arkansas in 1942 to Mitchell and Exie (Ray) Durham. He graduated from Manual High School in 1961, where he earned a football scholarship to Bradley University. Allen decided to join the Marines, where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He then worked for Keystone before beginning his 41- year career in the insurance industry. Allen worked for Nationwide Insurance before opening his own independent insurance office, Durham and Associates Insurance Agency, which was Peoria’s first African- American owned independent insurance agency. Allen met the love of his life, Virginia in 1966. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on April 10th, 1967 in Peoria, IL. From their union were born 4 beautiful daughters. Allen was an active member of New Mt. Sinai M.B. Church, where he served as a Deacon. He also was a Mason and a member of Amvets Peoria Post 64. Allen served in the United States Marines from 1962-1967. He earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his heroic service in the Bay of Pigs and the Vietnam Conflict. Allen enjoyed fishing, reading, card playing, traveling and bowling. Everyone who knew him knew how much he loved to tell a funny story. Allen leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving wife Virginia; daughters Vivian Adams, Yvette Durham, Veronica Jackson and Shaunda Thompson (Early Jr.); one sister Willie Ester Durham; eight Grandchildren: Nicole Durham, Glenn Durham-Richardson, James Adams, Chenille Thomas, Danielle Jackson, Jeffery Adams, Samuel Jackson II, and Jessica Adams; seven great grandchildren: Brielle Durham, Marshall Johnson, Devory Durham, Terrell Thomas, Elijah Durham-Richardson, Rylann Durham, Jamiah Durham-Richardson. Allen had a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and loving friends. Allen was preceded in death by three brothers: Charlie Durham, M.C. Durham, L.V. Durham, four sisters: Julene Durham, Mildred Hatchett, Nantexta Reed, Mary Agnes Lee, parents, Mitchell and Exie (Ray) Durham. A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at his beloved church, New Mt. Sinai M.B., with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Joseph Cherry will officiate. Allen will be laid to rest on Soldier Hill at Historic Springdale Cemetery where US Marine Corp Military Honors will be rendered. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.

Tributes

Mr. Allen Durham

February 2, 1942 - January 14, 2024