Graveside service for Laura Ellen Duke, age 92 of Fayetteville, will be conducted Friday morning at 11 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery with Rev. Mike Johnson officiating. Mrs Duke passed away Wednesday night in Lincoln Care Center.
She was a native of Dover, TN and the daughter of the late William Burley and Mattie Jane Greenhill Fitzgerald. Mrs. Duke was retired from the Lincoln County Health Department where she worked for 35 years and was a member of the West End Baptist Church. Miss Laura was active in her church, a lifelong student of the Bible and went on many mission trips. Age was never a barrier to her learning new things. She studied Spanish, painting, even car repairs and learned to dance at 80, a lifelong dream of hers. Travel was a also a great love of hers and she visited several foreign countries and many U.S. Cities.
Miss Laura’s life was one of a dedicated servant and full of love and compassion for others. These qualities touched the lives of people not only in Lincoln County but everywhere she went. She leaves with her family wonderful memories of her delightful sense of humor, her unconditional love, and her deep and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
She is survived by her daughter Dolores (Randy) Rowell of Ashville, AL and granddaughter Amy Rowell of Huntersville, NC.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Duke was preceded in death by her husband Dennis Monroe Duke, brother W. B. Fitzgerald and sister Dorothy Fout.
Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening 5-8 PM at Higgins Funeral Home. In keeping with Miss Laura’s wishes, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society of Lincoln County, Fayetteville Lincoln County Animal Shelter, Best Friends Animal Society or the West End Baptist Church.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Lincoln Care Center, Dr. David McCauley and special friends Amy Burton and Amanda McAnally for the care given to Mrs. Duke.
Dolores & family,
My heartfelt sympathy and love on the loss of your mother. I have only wonderful memories of Hatcher Drive days and the friendship your mom and mine shared. She was an inspiration in many ways and I have never forgotten her wisdom with regard to easing the pain of shots! It has served me well lo these many years.
With love,
Susie
Deloris,words can never explain the love I had for your dear sweet mother.She was not only a dear dear friend .There isn’t enough time or paper on this earth to say what she meant to me.And like I told you Deloris she was the best and I know you will miss the ma Thursdays and all the notes and list she made .I have many many memories Laura and I made that I will cherish till I see her walking the golden streets .Deloris ,Amy, I am here should you ever need me..My love to you Carolyn
Delores, you know I loved this lady so very much. She was a great friend whom I admired so very much. Not only did she bless so many people, she was extremely blessed to have you as her daughter. Your love for her was unconditional and so evident in the countless things you did from your heart over all these years. I am sorry I am just reading about her passing. Please know my prayers and hugs go out to you and your family. I am always here if you need anything.
Very few people touch as many people in life as Ms. Laura did. We will never know this side of glory the people she touched. Today she is “walking” the streets of gold, praising the God she served so faithfully. Being a minister in the same church for so many years – you come to a point that you preach funerals for friends not just church members. Ms. Laura was a friend, an encourager, an example, a student of God’s word, a teacher, a servant and so much more. Fayetteville, my life and the lives of so many others were blessed to have known Ms. Laura Duke!
Delores:
Your Mother touched the lives of Many Lincoln Countians during her service at the health department. She was a kind and compassionate person, always upbeat and always encouraging to others. I always enjoyed visiting with her while she was a tenant at Washington Place Apartments. God Bless her and her entire family
Mrs Duke was a very special lady to me, she lived up the road from my grandmother, I would go visit her every time I was at
my grandmother house. She will be very missed!!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mrs. Duke was a very special lady. I worked with her at the health department for many years. She was a treasure to all who knew her. Most people will never know a fraction of the kind acts she did for so many people. There is a picture of her in the health department receiving a state award as Volunteer of the Year for the Tennessee Department of Health. I am certain that at least once each week I remember some of the wonderful advice she gave me when I worked with her. She was one little lady who made a big difference in so many lives. May you rest in peace Mrs. Duke. My thoughts and prayers for her family.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. My Mom was in the room with her. I will keep the family in my prayers during this time.
So sorry to hear about your Mom. My Mom was in the room with her. I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this time. Just trust in Jesus to get you through this time.
Such a sweet lady….I always loved her coming through my check-out line when I worked at Gerald’s. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family….