Lucille Mary Duke

Lucille Mary Duke, 87, peacefully passed from this life on Monday, October 12, 2015 in Jackson, TN, at home with her family by her side. She was born on December 9, 1928 in Abercrombie, ND to John and Laura Pechlat. In 1949 she married Frank Duke, who preceded her in death in 2004. Lucy and Frank celebrated 55 years of marriage before he passed away, and together raised four children: Michael, Veronica, Lynnette, and Randy (also preceding Lucy in death is her daughter Veronica). Lucy is survived by her daughter Lynnette and her husband Hugh and sons Michael and Randy and his wife Millie; her granddaughters Debi, Emily, Casey and Jennifer; and her great-grandchildren Matthew, “Little Lucy” and Connor.
Lucy was a woman who exemplified both strength and love. Wisdom and grace. Kindness and pure, undisputed honesty. An unsung heroine and an angel on earth. Lucy put her family first in all things, carrying them through unbearably hard times as well as times of joy. While her husband Frank saved lives, she kept a steady household to raise her children, also working full-time to support them financially. She could bring stability and order to an otherwise chaotic world, and as a mother she never faltered. Her love of family was unwavering, and fierce. She was the glue that held the family together.
Her voice and laughter are not easily forgotten, and hopefully never will be, for Lucy brought special and unique memories to everyone who loved her. Her children remember their experiences growing up in Milan, TN - Lucy and Frank’s final resting place. Her grandchildren remember literally going over the river and through the woods to get to Gramma’s house, playing outside in the creek and coming in to what the whole family knew to be the world’s best potato salad. Perhaps the greatest gifts to Lucy were her great-grandchildren, one of whom was named after her. Matthew and Little Lucy brought hope and joy to her final years, and loved their Great Gramma with all of their hearts. To see them together was heartwarming beyond words.
Among the blessings Lucy brought to her loved ones were her sense of humor, her wisdom and intelligence, her ability to hold a conversation for hours on end, and a deep appreciation for music and the outdoors. Family members expecting a visit from Frank and Lucy would find them in their RV: camping, telling stories, enjoying live bluegrass music, and always seeking their next adventure. For them, life itself was a series of adventures, and death the last and greatest.
Family members, friends and loved ones will hold a gravesite service on Thursday, October 15 to honor Lucy’s life and memory by sharing their favorite memories with one another.