Dorotha Durley, 83, of Overland Park, Kan., formerly of Sedalia, died Friday, March
2, 2007, at Research Medical Center in Kansas City.
She was born Oct. 17, 1923, in Breckenridge, Mo., a daughter of Virgil and Della
Colvin. On Jan. 20, 1945, in Sedalia, she was married to James E. Durley, who died Jan. 13, 1985, one week prior to their 40th anniversary. Mr. Durley was a Sedalia attorney.
Mrs. Durley’s primary occupation was creating a home filled with love, nurture,
laughter and faith. She was a full-time servant to her Lord, family and friends. She was a bookkeeper for Bryant Motor Company in her early years, and for Broadway Realty, with Emmett and Alice Fairfax, in later years.
She was a member of Broadway Presbyterian Church, where she was honored as a 50- year member and served as a deacon. She was also a member of Sorosis and a board member of Melita Day Nursery.
She was one to grin through adversity and express gratitude, especially since her
stroke in September 1988. She was committed to making sure her kids and loved ones were okay on a daily basis. She loved laughing and reminiscing about humorous and sentimental times and good works with her husband and other special family members and friends. She was gifted with words and writing ability, possessed a special eye for antiques, and a graceful style and class in creating clothing and interior design. She loved collecting antique clocks with Jim, gardening, flowers, beautiful sunsets and Bible study. She rooted for her favorites in football, basketball, golf and tennis. She continued to love to travel, and loved nothing more than a great giggle.
Surviving are a daughter, Debbie Durley Baker, and her husband, David, of Lenexa,
Kan.; a son, James Durley, of Springfield, Ver.; a sister, Mrs. George Gilleland, and her husband, of Springfield, Mo.; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Jasper Meals, of Fayette; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Geraldine Durley, of Sedalia; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was also predeceased by a daughter, Dana Sue Durley, the twin of Debbie, in
June 1967; her parents; and a brother, Norman Bruce Colvin.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2007, at Heckart/Gillespie Colonial Chapel.
Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Children’s Therapy Center, of which
Mr. Durley was an original board member.
