Ms. Sara Yvonne McCollum Durden, age 82, of Rome, GA, passed away on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at her residence.

     Ms. Durden was born in Rome, GA, on June 07, 1943, daughter of the late William Doyle McCollum and the late Sara Louise Shores McCollum. She was also preceded in death by her husband. Otis “Buddy” Moye Durden, Jr., to whom she was married on September 30, 1967. Ms. Durden was a 1961 graduate of East Rome High School and went on to graduate from Shorter College in 1965 after receiving a full music scholarship. After college she taught English at Forest Park Junior High School before shifting careers. Ms. Durden served the next 34 years with the Internal Revenue Service where her illustrious career ended with her retiring as the vice-president of the southern region of the National Treasury Employee Union. She enjoyed her crossword puzzles and reading any chance she had, even being a “friend of the library” in Clayton County for many years. Above all she loved her family and her grandchildren were the light of her life.

     Survivors include her three children, Matthew Durden, Mark Durden, and Sara Elizabeth Durden Green, all of Rome; five grandchildren, Kyle Durden (Tiffany), Joseph Durden, Jake Durden, Andy Green, and Eli Green; two great grandchildren, Lexie Durden and Luke Durden; her two sisters, Kathy Sanders (David), and Cheryl Henderson (David); two nephews, Simon Peace, and Jeremy Peace; one niece, Jill Henderson; nine great nieces and nephew.

     In accordance with her wishes, Ms. Durden will be cremated and a Celebration of her Life will be held at 6pm on Friday, June 12, 2026, in the Chapel at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel. The Rev. Phil Wade will officiate the service.

     The family will receive friends from 4pm until service time on Friday at Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel.

     Ms. Durden’s grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers and include: Kyle Durden, Joseph Durden, Jake Durden, Andy Green, and Eli Green.

     Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, is honored to serve the family of Ms. Sara Yvonne McCollum Durden.