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Ira Harrison Durgan was born in Bessemer, Alabama on November 7, 1924 to the late Mary Harrison Howard and Ira James Harrison. She was educated in the public schools of Selma. She received her B.S. degree from Alabama State University and Master’s degree in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Her teaching experience began in the Dallas County Public Schools. She later served as an Assistant to the Academic Dean and a Financial Aid Officer at Selma University. She was also a Librarian for Monroe County Training School, Selma University and Selma Public Schools.  She was Director of the Upward Bound (TRIO) Program at Selma University for 17 years, where her greatest concern was providing her students with the opportunity to attend college and participate in many cultural experiences.

She was a member of numerous clubs, associations and boards to include the Business and Professional Women’s Club; Cahaba Mental Health Board; Dallas County American Red Cross Chapter Board; Selma Dallas County Public Library Board; Selma Art Council Board; and membership chairperson of the Brown YMCA.

She was initiated into Zeta Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority where she served as financial secretary, first Anti-Basileus and Basileus.

She was the loving wife of Andrew James Durgan and later joined him as a member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Over the years, she worked tirelessly as a Sunday School teacher; Baptist Training Union Director; Deaconess; Matron; and on the Kitchen Committee and her beloved, Food Bank Committee.

She was the recipient of various honors and citations for outstanding service. She dedicated her life to service until failing health.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, John D. Harrison, Sr.; one sister, Sallie H. Goodwin; and one nephew, Eddie Wilbert Harrison.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy of service: two nephews, Ronnie Harrison and John D. Harrison, Jr.; four nieces, Deborah (Clifton) Elder; Wanda Goodwin; Vanessa Goodwin and Ira (Ricky) Austin; one great-niece, Ashlyn Goodwin; and two great nephews, Kenneth (Rochelle) Harrison and Ricky Austin, Jr.; one devoted and loving sister-in-law, Louise Harrison; a very special caregiver that she loved as a daughter, Malinda Crawford; other relatives and friends.

Graveside services are entrusted to Miller Funeral Service and will be held on Monday, July 12, 2021 at Serenity Memory Garden at 11 a.m. with Rev. Booker T. Booker, officiating.