Neval Hilton Durr

Neval Hilton Durr, 82, of Moss Bluff, was taken into the arms of Jesus on Sunday April 16, 2023, in Gonzales, Louisiana.Neval was a native of Plainview, Louisiana and a longtime resident of Moss Bluff.

She was a graduate of Plainview High School and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Northwestern University in 1962 with honors. She was also a member of Kappa Delta Pi educational honor society. Neval began a 33 year career in education with the Calcasieu Parish School Board in 1962. During her tenure, she taught second and fourth grades at Moss Bluff Elementary where she met her future husband, Kerry Durr, Sr. Neval also taught sixth grade at S.P. Arnett in Westlake and formed lifelong friendships with the “Red Brick Gang.” She then began teaching science, social studies, and reading at Moss Bluff Middle School and completed a Master’s degree in Education at McNeese State University. Neval remained teaching at Moss Bluff Middle until her retirement in 1995. During her teaching years, she was known for being quite strict, but always fun-loving with her students. Also, during this time, she and her husband owned several businesses in the Lake Charles area.

Neval enjoyed many friendships during her lifetime, attending lunches and social events with her friends and participated in the Red Hats society during her retirement years. She enjoyed reading books, history and vacations with her family. She also loved attending Laurence family reunions and keeping in touch with her many first cousins. Neval was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff, where she taught sixth grade girls Sunday School class for many years.

Preceding Neval in death are her husband of 52 years, Kerry L. Durr, Sr., parents Alexander and Ruth Laurence Hilton, sister Hazel Williams, son James Durr , and grandson Reid Main. Those left to honor her memory are son Kerry L. Durr, Jr. and wife Mary; daughter Kendra Durr Main and husband Donald; grandchildren James Durr, Josh Durr, Sierra Jeter, Rico Crater, Anna Crater Scheer, Jacob Crater, Sydney Main, Nathan Main, Drew Main and Caroline Main; four great grandchildren; and one sister-n-law Hilda Durr; numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, April 21, 2023, and will continue on Saturday, April 22 from 11:00 AM until the time of service at Moss Bluff First Baptist Church’s Chapel at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Bill Saxby will officiate. Graveside interment services will follow at Prewitt’s Chapel Cemetery near Hornbeck, Louisiana.
Pallbearers will be Len Durr, James Durr, Josh Durr, Donald Main, Nathan Main, and Drew Main.