Alease DuRant

February 22, 2022

Alease Byrd DuRant was born on October 16, 1927 in Florence County to Junious and Florence Pettigrew Byrd. She was the ninth child of twelve children, six boys and six girls. She left home at 18 to attend Morris College in Sumter, SC where she majored in Social Studies and Elementary Education with a minor in English. She later continued her education at Morgan State College and Mt. Mercy College in Pittsburgh, PA where she became certified as a reading specialist and at SC State College where she became certified in Special Education. She began her career as an elementary educator in Holly Hill, SC. Alease married Rev. Elee J. DuRant (E.J.) in 1949 with two daughters born to this union. After marrying, she became a foster parent for the first Florence County foster home for African-American children. She continued her teaching career in Florence District 3 and later began teaching in Florence District 1 from which she retired after 32 years of service. She also taught during the summers at Camp Courage for special needs children. After retiring, Alease continued to work part-time in Florence School District 1 in adult education and privately tutored family and community members. She was also a member of The Retired Teachers Association. Alease was a life long member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she was baptized during the 8th. Grade. She was a Sunday school teacher, a Missionary member and a Tent member. She attended church faithfully until her health failed. Alease is survived by two daughters, Aquila Brown (George) and Yolanda Braswell (Charles); six grandchildren, Maurice DuRant (Megan), Kelley Purdie, Gerard Brown, Travis Brown (Taisha), Brandon Braswell (Jewel) and Aleascia Braswell; a brother, Rockefeller Byrd (Pat); a “sister” Corrine Stewart, two goddaughters, Rose Battle and Gwendolyn Lowery; 15 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and devoted friends. Alease will be greatly missed and cherished in memory by all.