Kazuko "Kay" Shimoji Durham

Kazuko “Kay" Shimoji Durham, 74, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at her home.

A funeral service to honor Kay’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, December 2^nd at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Newport, officiated by Rev. Mitchell Parker. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Memorial Park. The family will receive friends a half hour prior to the service.

Kazuko, fondly known as Kay, was born on February 21, 1949, to the late Kiyo Shimoji Wilson. Born in Okinawa, Japan, Kay loved her home country. The beauty and rich culture were among her favorite memories of times gone by. Kay had an incredible eye for detail which was a perfect fit for her career as a skilled seamstress. She loved her dog, Boots.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her brother, Selby Wilson of South Carolina; aunt, Tomiko Zawasky of Jacksonville, NC who was raised with her as a sister; step-son, Davie Durham of Richmond, VA; sister-in-law, Sandra Styron of Newport, NC; along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to her parents, Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmy Ray Durham who passed away in 2020; grandparents, Seiyu and Kanemega Shimoji; uncles, Risie Shimoji and Hiroshi Shimoji; stepfather, Clifford R. Wilson; and her brothers-in-law, Jacki Durham, Pete Durham, Wayne Durham, Tommy Durham and Joseph Styron Sr.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.