Henrietta Esther Duke

Henrietta Esther Duke, born February 1, 1930, in Gainesville, Florida, was a beacon of light to all who knew her.
As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Henrietta embodied this sentiment throughout her life, making everyone she encountered feel special and loved.
Henrietta, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, touched countless lives as an educator for 40 years within the McCreary County School District and the University of the Cumberlands.
She was passionate about her work, imbuing every lesson with wisdom and care. Her legacy lives on in the many students she inspired and the family she cherished.
She was a beloved mother to Melinda (Steve) Clark and Grant Duke. She was also a doting grandmother to David Earl (Christen Bohl) Carmack III, Taylor Duke, Lea Duke, Lydia Renee Karyl (Charles) Howard, Amy Dubay, Laura Dubay, and Ricky Dubay. Her great-grandchildren, Matthew Howard, Rachel Howard, Sylvia Howard, Brianna Randle, Addy Monhollen, and Harlow Poor also held a special place in her heart.
Henrietta was a cherished member of First Baptist Church.
Henrietta’s life was seasoned with the joy of deep friendships and bonds that transcended blood. Her nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends were a source of happiness and strength to her.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Duke; her son, Robert Duke; her parents, Carl Stengel Sr. and Ethalinda Pietrasanta; her brother, Carl Jr,; and her best friends, Mavis Broome and Annette Feaster.
Despite these losses, Henrietta’s spirit remained undaunted, a testament to her resilience and capacity for love.
Funeral service was Sunday, May 4, at the Croley Funeral Home. Interment followed at Whitley Memorial Gardens, in Williamsburg.
As William Penn stated, “For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.” Henrietta may have made this turn, but her influence continues to shape our world in beautiful, meaningful ways.
We encourage friends and loved ones to share memories of Henrietta and upload photos to the memorial page, as a way of celebrating her remarkable life. In this way, we may ensure her legacy of love, education, and family lives on.
Croley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.