Having worked

with children for years as an educator, Durden states, "I have been

a part of helping a good number of children adjust to their academic setting.

time and time again, clinically, we are seeing that adjusting the upper

cervical area of the spine is helpful to children."

She also takes

her philosophy of service into the workplace. The last Thursday of every

month she gives a free seminar on a health related topic at Heritage of

Peachtree. The seminar is open to the public and to residents of the retirement

home. She is active in the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and is a

Regional Staff Trainer for Head Start in 8 counties.

While Chiropractic

is a pivotal focus for Durden, her story wouldn't be complete without

mention of her husband, Joe. All those years in New Jersey, Joe was patiently

(and unknowingly) waiting for Marilyn to move south and enter his life.

He didn't have quite as far to move to find her, being born in Savannah.

He did, however, have to wait on a mutual friend to bring the north and

the south together. Durden (then Lalka) commented to a friend when she

was nearing her 50th birthday that "wouldn't it be neat to find someone

to spend the next 50 years with." Her friend set up a blind date

and, three years later, the couple married.

They now own

a home in the county between Fayetteville and Tyrone. Joe, a CPA, has

been in private practice for ten years. He taught at DeVry College and

"loves teaching," according to his bride. He is also a "great

asset" to the business and "really terrific" in her estimation.

She quipped, "I love him and I'm going to keep him."

Practicing

what she preaches, Durden is a long-term member of Gold's Gym in Fayetteville

and works regularly with personal trainer Janet Caldwell. She says, "I

started with Janet to make sure I did it right." Janet has become

a good friend who "helps to keep me on track."

Durden is a

member of Unity Christ Church in Jonesboro. Born a Roman Catholic, she

was introduced to the Unity Christ Church by a friend shortly after moving

to Georgia. She liked it, and made another major life change. She is happy

with her church, but is attending various local churches hoping to find

something closer.

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