Mrs. Duke was born December 30, 1926 in Brunswick County, VA to the late James Thomas Pearson and Ida Louise Williams Pearson.  She was also preceded in death by her husband: Kelly Duke; her sisters: Polly Finch and Christine Callihan.

Mrs. Duke was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was a founding member of South Rosemary United Methodist Church, where she was active in the United Methodist Women and loved participating in the “kitchen Ministries” program they have.  Mrs. Duke retired from JP Stevens and Bibb Company after 31 years.

She is survived by her son: Craig Duke and his wife Gail of Roanoke Rapids; her nephew: Jimmy Duke and his wife Patsy of Rocky Mount; her niece: Carla Little and her husband Terry of Littleton; her sister Jean Hedgepeth of Norfolk, VA; her granddaughter: Stephanie Robbins and her husband Robbie of Littleton; several great nieces and nephews; and two special friends from church Mamie Rhome and Joyce Davis.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Sue Owens and Nelson High, CLM officiating.  Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Cemetery.  The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 30, 2015 from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. at the funeral home and other times at her home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to South Rosemary United Methodist Church or Kitchen Ministry, 108 West Littleton Road, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.