Mary C. Duke

Mary Clodell (Jackson) Duke, 88, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011 in Iowa Park. Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, July 22, 2011 at the Benjamin United Methodist Church in Benjamin, Texas with Dennis Duke officiating. Graveside Services will follow at the Benjamin Cemetery under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home in Iowa Park.

Mary was born in Knox County to Fred and Auneta Jackson and was a resident of Knox County for 81 years. In 2004, she moved to Iowa Park, Texas because of health reasons and lived there until her death. She was a graduate of Benjamin High School where she also worked in the school cafeteria for many years spoiling the kids with her famous hot rolls and special treats. Until her retirement, she was employed by the Knox County Appraisal District as a deputy clerk.

On August 11, 1940 she married Earl Duke and they raised five children. Mary Sawyers and husband, Derrell of Hamlin, Texas; Jan Pollock of Iowa Park, Texas; the late William “Butch” Duke whose wife, Doris, lives in Levelland, Texas; Gaye Roberts and husband, Ken of Wichita Falls, Texas and Sue McCarthy and husband, Denny of Iowa Park.

She was “GRAN” to six grandchildren, Wendy Pollock of North Richland Hills, Texas; Marian and husband, Ronny Miller of Trent, Texas; Mark Roberts and wife, Alyssa of Channelview, Texas; Will McCarthy and wife, Valerie of Flower Mound, Texas; Marcy and husband, Joe Maines of Red Oak, Texas; and Michael Sawyers of Midland, Texas

She was also GRAN to 9 great grandchildren, Lexi Miller; Conner, Kaiden, Makinen, and Morgynn Maines; Mikenzie and Michaela Sawyers; and Cohen McCarthy.

She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Harris and husband, Jim of Sugar Land, Texas; and numbers nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parens, her son Butch, her sister, Ila Bohannon; and brother, Darr Jackson. Her grandsons will serve as Pallbearers, Will McCarthy, Mark Roberts, Mike Sawyers, Ronny Miller, Joe Maines, and Conner Maines.

Mary was “Clodell” to most and was well known as a great cook who spent many hours making special treats for her family and many friends. She was mom, gran and friend, who will be greatly missed by all of us who loved her.

Visitation will be held from 6 PM to 8 PM on Thursday, July 21, 2011 in the Chapel of Dutton Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to the Benjamin Cemetery Association in Benjamin, Texas or to the Benjamin United Methodist Church. Please share your tributes with the family at www.duttonfuneralhome.com.