Linda Delores (Smith) Duke
October 29, 1947 — October 20, 2016
Linda Delores Smith Duke, age 68, resident of Brighton and wife of the late John Gregory Duke, Sr., departed this life Thursday morning, October 20, 2016 at the Methodist LeBonheur Germantown Hospital.
Services of Remembrance for Mrs. Duke were conducted at 2 P.M. Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with Dr. Wayne Webb officiating. Special music was provided by Mrs. Duke’s grandchildren. Interment will be at 11:30 A.M. Friday, October 28, 2016 at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery near Germantown. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes & Cremation Center – West Chapel at Oakland.
Mrs. Duke was born October 29, 1947 in Grenada, Mississippi. She received her Bachelor’s Degree at the Memphis State University and was married January 20, 1968 to John Gregory Duke, Sr. She was employed as a teacher for much of her life, retiring from the Haywood County School System. Mrs. Duke was a longtime member of the Macon Road Baptist Church and most recently attended Brighton Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, reading and watching cooking shows on television.
Mrs. Duke is survived by two daughters, Linda McKinley (Jimmy) of Brighton, TN, Kathy Gambrell (Jon) of Eads, TN; two sons, John Gregory Duke, Jr. (Michelle) of Somerville, TN, James Duke (Samantha) of Los Angeles, CA; her sister, Helen Webb (Danny) of Holly Springs, MS; her brother, Dean Marter of Como, MS; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, John Gregory Duke, Sr. who died January 27, 2013; her mother, Essie Smith Marter; her grandparents who raised her, Jim and Minnie Smith formerly of Grenada, MS; and her brother, Don Marter.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers were Brandon McKinley, Cameron McKinley, Reece Duke, Drew Duke, Rusty Bouchié and Holt Lindsey.