Mary Helen Dukes

Mrs. Mary Helen Miller Dukes, age 92, of Wadley, passed away at her residence on Monday, November 27, 2023.  A graveside funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, November 30th at 11:00 a.m. at Bethesda Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Wadley.  Elder Kenneth Brantley and Elder Will Martin will officiate.

Mrs. Dukes was a native and lifelong resident of the Wadley area of Jefferson County. She was the daughter of the late Jessie R. Miller and the late Ethel Avant Miller. She graduated from school in Wadley and married her late husband John Amos Dukes at an early age. Together they established a family farm and began raising their five children.  Mrs. Dukes was an avid gardener who loved planting, growing and reading about plants and flowers.  She was always intrigued by birds, especially cardinals and hummingbirds, feeding them on regular schedules.  She was a member of Bethesda Primitive Baptist Church and often attended Long Creek Primitive Baptist Church.  She cherished family and family gatherings.  Cooking was a favorite hobby, and she was known for her chicken and dumplings as well as her fresh peas.  In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Dukes is predeceased by an infant son and one grandson.

Survivors are her children, Rebecca Hart of Tennille, Wayne Dukes and his wife Marsha of Laurens S.C., Susan Hagan and her husband Robert of Cullowhee, N.C., Ray Dukes of Gibson and David Dukes and his wife Susan of Harvest, AL; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The family will be at the Dukes residence on Dukes Road, Wadley and they will also receive friends following the graveside service on Thursday at the church.

Donations may be made to Bethesda Primitive Baptist Church in Jefferson County or to Long Creek Primitive Baptist Church in Emanuel County.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.  Leave an online condolence at www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com