Mrs. Betty Rose Duke, 90, passed away on January 29, 2022 surrounded by family and friends after an extended illness. Mrs. Duke, who was born and raised in Woodland, NC, was the youngest and last surviving child of the 6 children of Emmett and Cappie Joyner Rose.
Betty married Willie Duke in 1950. Betty and Willie resided in Murfreesboro, NC when Willie returned from the Korean War. He began a long career at Georgia-Pacific and Betty worked at Belk’s. They moved to North Augusta, SC with Georgia-Pacific in 1977 then on to the Atlanta area in 1986 where Willie retired from Georgia-Pacific in 1996.
Shortly after Willie died in 1998, Betty returned to Ahoskie, NC to be near family. During her years in Ahoskie, Betty was active in the affairs of Chowan University, where she became a member of the Board of Trustees and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie.
She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 50 years, Willie Duke; and her grandson, Thomas Duke Benthall. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Tula Polvadore and husband Don of Ahoskie; her granddaughter, Mrs. Abigail Wilkins, husband, Dylan, and great-grandson, Harrison, of Chesapeake, VA; her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mary Smallfelt of Littleton, NC and Mrs. Linda Williams and husband Edward of Colerain; and many nieces, nephews, and friends left to cherish her memory as well as her beloved caretakers.
A celebration of life service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie on March 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Paul Gilliam officiating. Her entombment will be in Fayetteville, GA with her husband.
In lieu of flowers donations in her name may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville, VA in honor of Harrison Wilkins, 300 9th Street SW, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or online by clicking here; or to the Capital Building Fund, First Baptist Church of Ahoskie, P.O. Box 649, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here.
.Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Duke family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
We were traveling buddies when we lived In Fayetteville. Husbands worked together at GA-Pacific Corp. Only learned of Betty’s passing when I tried to call her today, her birthday! So sorry to lose such a dear friend! Asden
To the Family, I did not know Mrs. Dukes personally but she was well known around our neighborhood for her beautiful yard and decorations. It was always a treat to go walking and see the latest thing she had done in her yard. At Christmas it was just beautiful. I will miss seeing what she would come up with next. God bless and comfort the family during this time of loss…..
Mrs. Polvadore, I’m so sorry to hear about the lost of your love one. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your classmate Joyce Tann and Tranell’s mom. May God bless you.
Mrs. Polvodore, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. May God give all of you the strength to get through this difficult time. Be Blessed. Your HCHS student Tranell Tann.
Sympathies for you all, she was a delightful lady. Lifting you all up in my prayers. Love you all.
Tula, my mom, Kate Barber, was friends with your mom for years. I remember Mama saying she was a witness at your mom’s wedding. I so enjoyed getting to know her when I worked at Belks. I am so sorry for your loss; but rejoice that you had so many good years with her and will be reunited someday.
So sadden about Betty’s passing. I loved her so and she was a dear friend of mine. Tula, please know I am sending love and prayers for you and the family.. Carolyn Martin
Tula and family; my deepest sympathies to you all! I have many wonderful memories of being in “Miss Betty’s” company, enjoying her laughter, wisdom and joyfullness! She was a lovely lady through and through and we will miss her! She had a wonderful life and is now enjoying being her Lord and Savior. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Love to you all, Elizabeth Merritt