Bessie R. Durman died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at Covenant Health & Rehab Center. She was 88.

Mrs. Durman was a retired educator for the Vicksburg schools. She received a bachelor’s degree from Illinois College and a master’s degree from Jackson State University.

She was a member of Mount Alban M.B. Church, where she served as a church mother, choir member and Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of social and civic organizations, including the Order of the Eastern Star, Loving Friendship Chapter No. 20, Evergreen No. 3 Heroines of Jericho, Hagar No. 3 Ladies of the Knight, Eureka Court No. 4 Daughters of the Sphinx and the Warren County Sunday School Institute No. 1.

Mrs. Durman was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie James Durman; her parents, Josh III and Everlyn Rucker; twin children, Owemia and Owedia Durman; four brothers, Reason Rucker, Joseph Rucker, Namon Rucker and Will Rucker; and three sisters, Mary Washington Frances Rucker, Gertrude Rucker and Rosia Rucker.

She is survived by three sons, Maurice Durman of Anchorage, Alaska, Vincent Durman of Vicksburg and Ralph Durman of Hinesville, Ga.; two daughters, Veta Durman of Atlanta and Alfreda Horton of Hattiesburg; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

W.H. Jefferson Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.