Betty Jo Durden was born to the lineage of Willie Durden and Clara Jo Smith Durden on February 27, 1943, in Covington, GA. She was educated in the Newton County School System, graduating from RL Cousins High School, Class of 1960. After high school, she attended Business College learning secretarial and administrative skills.
Betty was the oldest of six children and a natural leader. In high school she was part of student government and an excellent public speaker. She was also a majorette, and a member of the chorus. Betty joined the Bethlehem Baptist Church, in Covington, GA at an early age. It was there that she exhibited her talent and anointing as she often sang solos upon request. Many enjoyed her beautiful soprano voice. As a young woman, she felt the call into ministry. She went forth into ministry in the community helping those who were in need and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
In 1962, she met the love of her life, Rev. Andrew Gwinn. It was a match made in heaven! Rev. Gwinn was a young minister and the two of them had something great in common: they both loved God and people. Together they would embark on a life of ministry serving first in Atlanta, pastoring in North Carolina, then joining the United States Air Force. Chaplain Gwinn and his first lady Betty, ministered to many as they crossed the world sharing the gospel through word and song. This union brought forth three sons. Betty spent her time raising her sons and serving as first lady wherever her husband was assigned. Their last assignment brought them to Travis AFB, where she served and sang in the choir.
Although Betty moved in many circles of influence, she never lost sight of her original assignment-to reach the masses, and the least of these. As a Major’s wife, she used her influence to start bible studies and women’s groups wherever possible. She was a prayer warrior and understood prayer as a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Her favorite scripture was John 9:4, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” .
Betty was not only a servant of God, but she was a civil servant. She was employed by the Naval Base in Oakland, CA for 15 years. Her leadership was exemplified as she stepped up when commuters from this area needed transportation into work. She drove the commuter van into the Bay Area for all those years! She received several accolades throughout her career.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chaplain, Major Andrew Gwinn, and brother, Willie Durden, Jr.
On March 23, 2023, God called Betty from labor to reward. Her legacy lives on in her sons, Ondra Gwinn, San Francisco, CA, Maurice Gwinn, Vacaville, CA. Tavares Gwinn, Vacaville, CA, brother Robert J. Durden, Covington, GA; sisters Carolyn Johnson, Covington, GA, Debra Tate, Covington, GA, Glenda Tate, Atlanta, GA, God-given family members Krystal Trusty, Dorian Weaver and Diane Zwannziger, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
