Ina B. Durham

Ina Brooks Durham, 90, of Clemson, beloved wife of Harry Durham, passed away July 2, 2023 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Clemson on Thursday, July 6 at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends following the service.

Born in Columbus, GA, Ina was the daughter of the late James Benjamin Brooks and Cleo Turner Brooks.  She met her husband of nearly seventy years while a student at Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn.  Following graduation and marriage at age 20, Ina taught school at Smith Station as Harry completed his degree.  Ina accompanied Harry on his Army assignment to Germany in 1955 where their daughter Kathy was born.  A son, Kelly, joined the family in 1958. Ina committed herself to creating a loving home for her family.

Ina was noted for her warm personality and welcoming hospitality.  Through Clemson Baptist Church, she and Harry “adopted” Clemson University students inviting them into their home, treating them like family members, and establishing lasting relationships.  She and Harry also taught and mentored a young couples Sunday School class at the church which resulted in life-long friendships.

In 1974, Ina rejoined the work force when she was hired as the first information desk supervisor at Clemson University’s Student Union.  Her student staff and the union’s student board members became extensions of her family, invited home for meals and mentored through their college careers.  Ina’s years of service to Clemson students were recognized in 1976 when she was selected by Tiger Brotherhood as Clemson University’s Mother of the Year. 

Throughout her life, Ina’s greatest joy was her family.  She cherished close relationships with her five granddaughters and looked forward to family gatherings and vacations which she would begin planning months in advance.

Ina is survived by her husband, Harry; daughter Kathy Pettit (Jeff) of Simpsonville; son Kelly (Yvonne) of Clemson; five granddaughters Kari Lynch (Justin) of Paris Mountain; Heidi Pettit (Dan Wood) of Columbia; Mary Kate Elliott (JD) of Columbia; Addison Durham of Nashville; and Callie Durham of Nashville.  She is also survived by great grandchildren Kellen and Rowan Lynch, and Collins Elliott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ina’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Clemson, 397 College Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631 or the Clemson University Foundation 155 Old Greenville Highway, Unit 105, Clemson, SC 29631.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.