Frances Ira Brooks Duke

Glover Funeral Home Dothan

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Posted by: Glover Funeral Home
[email protected]
334-699-3888
Date: Feb 21 2023 11:34 AM

Frances Ira Brooks Duke, affectionally known as “Granny” and “Shug” a longtime resident of Cottonwood, passed away Sunday, February 19, 2023.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023 at Glover Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. S. E. Newberry officiating.   Burial will follow at Howard Grove Cemetery with Glover Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 until 1:45 p.m. on Thursday prior to service time. Flowers are being accepted.

Mrs. Duke was born December 4, 1936 to Oscar and Ira Brooks of the New Hope Community. She, along with her twin brother Frank were raised by their older brother Pete Brooks and an aunt, Minnie Lee Blankenship. They moved to Cottonwood when she was in the 5^th grade.

After being set up on a blind date by Buddy and Merle White, she met Bobby Duke of Cottonwood. They hit it off and went to Georgia and became husband and wife on July 11, 1953.  After their night of honeymooning, they got up and went to pick cotton!

Frances was employed with Warner Brothers from 1956 until 1965 where she grew to love her co-workers.  She also worked with the U. S. Postal Service in maintenance for over 25 years in small town post offices. In later years she worked with Big Daddy’s and Ray’s restaurant where she enjoyed being with her family and loyal customers.  She also made hot dog chili for the Cottonwood Band Boosters for over 35 years where the recipe is still being used at Ray’s Restaurant.

Frances had a strong work ethic. She was a true friend to others especially those in need. If you needed something, she was always there for you. She will truly be missed.  

She is predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Bobby Gene Duke, her parents, and her twin brother, Frank and numerous other brothers and sisters.

Survivors include a son, Robert Duke of Cottonwood; a daughter, Carolyn Duke Elliott (Chan) of Cottonwood; seven grandchildren, Christi (Dennis) Peterson, Chandler Elliott, Jr. (Amy), Clay Elliott (Jesslyn), Dusty Duke (Kim), Timothy Duke (Kendra), B. J. Duke (Erin), and Latasha Duke White (Rob), seventeen great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; a sister, Ruby Exum; many special nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, “Daisy Duke”.

Active pallbearers will be grandsons.

Glover Funeral Home of Dothan has been entrusted with the arrangements. (334) 699-3888. Please sign the guestbook online at www.gloverfuneral.com

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