Darlene Duren
Age - 63
December 9, 2023
Darlene "Cookie" Duren, 63, of Virginia Beach, VA passed away November 20, 2023, after battling a long illness, with her family by her side. She was born to the late Felix Cook, Jr. and Priscilla Taylor Cook, December 15, 1959, in Slidell, Louisiana. Cookie graduated from Salmen High School in 1977 where she played on the school's basketball and softball teams. In addition to playing sports, Cookie was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and participated in other activities. In March of 1980, she joined the United States Navy and faithfully served her country until 1985. While in the military, Cooke met the love of her life, Frederick "Freddy" Duren; the two married in 1983 and bought a beautiful home in Virginia Beach. The union was blessed with two sons; Dwight and Michael who were the apples of their mother's eye. Cookie took great pride in her role as a wife and mother and was ecstatic to become a grandma in 2016. Cookie loved music and could often be found dancing to "old school" songs in the kitchen while preparing delicious meals for family and guests. Her ham, dressing, and potato salad were legendary. Cookie loved the holidays (especially Christmas), fine jewelry, fashion, and shopping. She always kept a part of Louisiana in her heart, cheering for the New Orleans Saints and making a pot of gumbo several times a year. "Doll", as she was affectionately known by some, was a generous person who loved all of her family. She did whatever she could to demonstrate her love of family even while living miles away. She was diligent about maintaining relationships through frequent phone calls and notes. Doll always remembered everyone's birthday and acknowledge it with a call, card, or gifts. Cookie was preceded by both parents, her grandmother, Lucinda Taylor Gillum; two special aunts Adelle Thomas and Idelle Whitfield; two brothers, Kerry H. Cook and Andre W. Cook; one sister-in-law, Brenda Duren; and two brothers-in-law, Ralph Duren and Duroy Duren. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Frederick Duren, two sons: Dwight Duren (Jessica) and Michael Duren, and one grandson, Jackson Duren, all of Hampton Roads, Virginia. She also leaves five brothers, Isiah J. Hart (Mary) and Keith C. Cook of Slidell, Felix Cook, III of Austin, TX, Jerry Cook of Dallas TX, and Gary Cook of Norfolk, VA; two sisters, her twin, Kathleen Mitchell, of Slidell and Margaret P. Cook of Austin, TX; one brother-in-law, Roderick Duren (Phyllis) of Maryland; and two sisters-in-law, Marva Robinson of Charlotte, North Carolina and Paulette Wilkes of Augusta, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Standing only 5'3", Darlene "Cookie"/"Doll" Cook Duren, was small in stature, but big in heart. Her feisty spirit, beautiful smile, and unconditional love will be missed by all. A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 12 noon at Doyle's Funeral Home, (2430 Fourth Street, Slidell, LA 70458). Viewing will take place immediately preceding the funeral beginning at 11am. Service begins at 12pm. The family would like to thank Doyle's Funeral Home and all who have expressed kind words of support during this difficult time. May the Lord strengthen and comfort the family during their time of bereavement.Show more
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