William Durham

William Allen Durham was the son of William Durham and the late Dorothy Durham. He was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina and was the first born of 6 children. He later moved with his parents to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

William Allen understood the value of life and always sought the Lord. He truly desired a personal relationship with Jesus. He evangelized to the lost and shared his faith with others.

William Allen was a positive asset to his community. After attending Roman Catholic High School for Boys, he furthered his education at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

William Allen worked as a purchasing agent at Houghton International located in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania for over ten years. He was always motivated and worked hard to achieve the required goals of his employer.

During the late 60’s, William Allen became a community activist and joined the Congress of Racial Equality as part of the office staff under Mr. Bill Mathis, Chairman of the Philadelphia chapter C.O.R.E. This is where he met the love of his life, the late Barbara Lee and was blessed with the birth of daughter, Shieta Lee. In addition, he lovingly raised Michael C. Lee as his own son.

William Allen also known as Ade Matu’ had a love for poetry and even created a poetry book called Inner Universe. Inner Universe was William Allen’s first published book and was awarded a publication grant by the American Poet Fellowship Society. He was also a soprano saxophonist and felt that he was led by music’s hand to the art of the pen. Over the years he has written social articles for various local community news outlets.

William Allen sadly passed over to the Lord on December 27, 2018. His memory will be honored and cherished by many. He leaves behind: his father, William Durham; daughter, Shieta Ife Lee; son, Michael Lee; aunt, Viola Watts; brothers, Zachary Durham and Kevin Durham; sister, Elaine Boyer; loving goddaughter, Jessica Whitfield; close friend, Pastor Benjamin Galloway and his wife Brenda Galloway; and other sorrowing family and friends.