A LIFE OF LOVE AND GRACE
Poetry Jo’Ona Ana Durnes was born on October 29, 1992 in Canton, Ohio
to Albert Jodee and Tevya Mamone Durnes. Throughout her lifetime, Poetry displayed unprecedented love for her family. She was a devoted mother who often referred to her daughter as her heart. For her brother and her “Coves” (Cousins Over Everything), she would go above and beyond the call of duty. She adored making memories with family and friends by spending quality time with them. She enjoyed playing video games, going to the movies and attending First Friday. She also loved going skating on Sundays where she could be found sporting her white skates with hot pink wheels and pom-poms. Poetry truly loved all things glitter and glam and was known to leave a little bit of sparkle behind wherever she went.
Poetry graduated from GlenOak High School in 2012. After graduation, she
obtained her Child Development Associates Credential and began to pursue a career in childcare. As a childcare provider, Poetry worked at the YWCA Child Care Center and Stark County Community Action Agency Head Start. In addition to her service to children, she supported families by providing wraparound services through the Access Health Stark County program. Poetry found her passion for working with individuals with disabilities and continued her career path in social services and family support through her employment with Life Simplified, LLC.
Poetry is preceded in death by her mother Tevya Mamone Durnes, grandfather “G-Dad” Bernard Prince, great grandfather Clifford L. Kimbrough Sr. and great grandmother Frances L. Kimbrough.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her beloved daughter, Taylin Monae’ Raelyn Durnes, father, Albert Jodee Durnes, brother, Jo’Dee Durnes, grandmothers, Saundra Turpin and Yvonne Prince, Grandfather, Isaiah Robinson/Geneva, aunt, Tanzeah Sharpe, and uncle, Isaiah Kwasi Robinson/Tanisha, all of Canton, OH, niece and nephew, Zhuri and Zayne Parker of New Castle, DE, cousins, Imari Evans of Cleveland, OH, Monique Robinson of Canton, OH, Alana Robinson of Canton, OH, Armani Sharpe of Canton, OH, Alexa Sharpe of Woodland Hills, CA, LaMar Sharpe of Chicago, IL, Desmond Sharpe of Canton, OH, special great aunt Bridgette James/Paul of Canton, OH, special cousin Armonie Smith of Canton, OH and special cousin whom she loved like a brother Nasir Torrence of Canton, OH, special friends Fatonia of New Castle, DE and Roderick of Toledo, OH. Also a host of extended family and friends.
Poetry joined her mother in “God’s Promise” of a resurrection on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 32. Poetry had a sweet, soft, calm soul that touched the hearts of many. Her legacy of love, servanthood and selfless acts of kindness will forever remain in the minds and hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00AM until 11:00AM at Greater Bethel Apostolic Church, 2335 15th St. SW, Canton, OH 44706. Funeral service will immediately follow the Visitation.