IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Billy Earl

Billy Earl Duren "BILLS" Profile Photo

Duren

Jul 28, 2006 — Jul 30, 2026

Kansas City

Obituary

On July 28th, 2006, a special child was born, Billy Earl Duren. He was known to most as “Bills,” “Hollerin Jack,” which was a name given to him by his grandfather because of his explosive constant crying, even though nothing was wrong unlike any of the other children before him. Also known as “Tittie Baby,” which was a name given to him by his big brother because of his love, affection, and attachment to his mother.

Bills was born July 28th, 2006, at Truman Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Kimberly Ford and Billy Duren. Billy received his education from the Kansas City, Missouri, School District and Raytown School District as well. Billy was employed by Velocity Janitorial Services. Billy was a motivated, loving, caring, compassionate, goal-driven, and hustle-minded young man.

From a young age, Billy always initiated his own way to make money. Cutting grass, shoveling snow, helping neighbors with odd jobs, always showing signs of leadership, and exhibiting maturity even as a young man through his entrepreneurial endeavors. Bills was a nickname derived from his ability to earn and save money at a very young age. Billy was greatly loved and left a lasting impression on any and everyone he encountered. Billy’s love for his family was so purely abundant that, at times, it could almost be overwhelming 😂. Billy was the type that at a family function, if you encountered him 4 times you were hugged and told he loved you as if he just saw you. Billy was a rare beam of light and love. His love and nature will be greatly missed.

Billy is preceded in death by his grandparents; Frances Watkins, Willie Ford, Thomas Turner Sr, Margaret Charles, Rosetta Duren, Franky Bell Duren, brother; Billy Baker, aunts; Sherrie Hall, Tina Duren, Tammy Duren, Faye Duren, uncle; Rudy Hall. Billy leaves to cherish his memory his parents; Kimberly Ford-Charles (Renard), Billy Duren (Tiffany), sisters; Sabree Duren, Maya Duren, Shauniece Turner, brothers; Sabir Duren, Malik Duren, Sharif Duren, and Mozzy Duren. A special friend Alisha Brooks and Laurie Berry. A host of uncles, aunts, best friends, and special friends. 

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Family Letters

Sabir:

My lil brother bills aka tittie baby, I love you lil bro and forever will. It's gone be hard living this life without you bro, I’m gone miss being with you everyday and us riding around spending time together laughing. I can still see your smile every time I close my eyes, you gone forever live through me and I’m gone keep your name lit forever love you lil brother save me a spot up there.

Mama:

My child, life will never be the same again without you. I remember holding you the first time and the last time. I pray you are at peace and that the Lord gives me peace one day. The spot you opened in my heart when you were born will never close. I mourn you my son. I’m just passing time now until we are back together again. Forever my love, my baby, my last child, the one that made me work the hardest and earn this momma badge. Eternally missing you Mama.

Sabree:

My brother,

I’m writing this to you because, honestly, I don’t know what else to do. I can’t find the words to describe how hurt I am. I can’t find the words to describe how much I’m going to miss you. There are so many things I want to say to you, and somehow none of the words feel like enough.

I still can’t believe I have to live in a world where I can’t call you, hug you, hear your voice, or see you walk through my door. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get used to that. I don’t know how I’m supposed to wake up every morning knowing that you’re not here. Nothing will ever be the same. I will never be the same. I don’t think I will ever breathe the same again, because a part of me left this world with you.

I’m going to miss everything about you. I’ll miss your voice. I’ll miss your laugh. I’ll miss your hugs. I’ll miss the little things I never thought I would have to live without. I’ll miss the way you would come into my room saying, “Sisterrrrrr, give me a hug. You good? I love you,” and then somehow turn my “I love you” into a competition with a billion “I love you more.” I would give anything to hear those words from you one more time.

There are going to be so many moments when I instinctively want to reach for my phone to call you, or turn around expecting to see you, and then I’ll remember that you’re gone. I don’t know how my heart is supposed to accept that. I don’t know how I’m supposed to miss you for the rest of my life when I’ve only known how to have you in it.

I wish I had more time. More conversations. More hugs. More laughs. More ordinary days with you. I wish I could go back to the moments I didn’t realize would one day become memories I would desperately want back. I would give anything for just one more day with you.

But even through all of this pain, I find comfort in knowing that you are at peace. I know you’re not hurting anymore. I know you’re somewhere beautiful, somewhere safe, somewhere beyond all the pain this world can bring. And as much as my heart wishes you were still here with me, I’m grateful that you can finally rest.

You were always a protector. You looked after the people you loved, and you made sure everyone around you knew they were loved. Now you are watching over us, still protecting us.

I’ll carry you with me for the rest of my life. In every memory, every story, every laugh, every song, every place that reminds me of you. I’ll talk about you. I’ll say your name. I’ll tell people about the person you were and the love you gave so freely. I’ll make sure you are never forgotten.

I’m going to grieve you for longer than I was lucky enough to know you, and that thought breaks my heart. But if grief is the price I have to pay for having loved you this much, then I will carry it. I would rather hurt because I miss you than ever have lived a life where I didn’t get to love you at all.

I love you beyond life and beyond this world.

I love you more than words could ever explain, and I will miss you every day, every minute, every second, for the rest of my life.

Nothing will ever be the same without you, but I promise I will carry you with me always.

My brother, my protector, my angel.

I hope you know how deeply you were loved.

Until I see you again .

Funeral Services

Visitation

August
14

Friday

Memorial Missionary Baptist Church

11424 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, MO 64134

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

Funeral Service

August
14

Friday

Memorial Missionary Baptist Church

11424 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, MO 64134

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Repass

August
14

Friday

Memorial Missionary Baptist Church

11424 Hickman Mills Drive, Kansas City, MO 64134

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

Repass immediately following services

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