Obituary of Carolyn Duren

Carolyn Duren, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted servant of the Lord, entered eternal rest on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the age of 85. Carolyn was born on October 15, 1939, in Westville (Camden), SC, to the late Heyward Bracey and Ella Mae Alexander. Carolyn was the youngest of 13 siblings (decd. Heyward Bracey, Jr., Willie Bracey, Rev. Lewis Bracey, Levy Bracey, Stephen Bracey, Tillman Bracey, Edward Bracey, Leroy Bracey, Johnnie Bracey, and Rev. Burnell McCarley).  She is survived by siblings Cora B. Anderson, Mabel B. Duren and Eddie Bracey.

Carolyn was a cherished member of her family and a light in her community, touching the lives of many with her kindness and unwavering faith.  Carolyn graduated from Jackson High School in 1958, and the following year, in 1959, she married the late George Duren in Danbury, CT, sharing 40 years of love and devotion together. Carolyn was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Kelly Curtis, and is survived by her daughters, Sandra Bracey and Jennifer Coleman, and her sons, Zachary Duren (Tina) and Michael Duren (Annie). She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Deltrina Duren, Shakeema Harris, Shannen Polk (David), Sharmane Grady (Keith), Melissa Conner (Sean), Maria Duren, Justin Coleman (Sharon), Meleakca Carr, Jordan Coleman, Joshua Curtis (Shekia), and Elijah Curtis, as well as 21 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Later in life, Carolyn married the late Thomas Macon in 2003 and they enjoyed almost 20 years of happiness together.

Carolyn accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was an active and dedicated member of Mount Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church during her adult years before moving back to Camden, SC. Upon returning, she became a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church and participated in The Women's Sunday School Class as well as several ministries including The Usher Ministry and The Senior Missionary Ministry, where her faithfulness and dedication left an indelible mark. Her service to the church was more than just a duty— it was a passion. Carolyn was always ready to lend a hand, offer words of wisdom, and provide encouragement to those around her.

Carolyn was also a proud member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In 2021, she was awarded a Certificate of Silver Life Membership in recognition of her lifelong commitment to social justice and civil rights. This honor reflected her unwavering dedication to making a difference in her community and her commitment to advancing equality for all.

In addition to her spiritual and civic contributions, Carolyn had a deep love for traveling and spending quality time with her family. Her warm heart, her gentle spirit, and her joy for life were evident in every moment she shared with those she loved. Carolyn’s life was a testament to her faith in God, characterized by her compassion, selflessness, and the love she showered upon her family and friends. She was known for her infectious smile, her unwavering support, and the profound wisdom she imparted to all who knew her.

We pray that Carolyn's memory will live on through her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her many friends. Although we mourn her passing, we celebrate Carolyn’s entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, with those whom she held dear to her and preceded her in death. We are comforted knowing she now rests in the arms of the Savior she so faithfully served, where there is only peace and everlasting joy.