Elizabeth "Betty" Duke

Elizabeth "Betty" Carroll Allen Duke, age 89, of Knoxville, Tennessee passed away peacefully at home with her family beside her on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, after a 4 year battle with dementia. Betty was born December 12, 1934. She was a 1953 graduate of Karns High School, and was of the Methodist Faith.

Betty was a kind, selfless, loving person, with a heart of gold. She was always full of fun and laughter. She enjoyed shopping with Cathy, eating at Cracker Barrel, cooking and growing a garden, making her famous chow-chow and homemade pimento cheese, which she loved to share with friends and family.

She and her husband Bill were married 45 years before his death in 2016 from a stroke. She was a dedicated, loving mother to her children. After losing her son Eddy at 17, she never got over it, but stayed strong and resilient.

Preceded in death by her loving son, Eddy; husband, Bill; parents, R.E. and Edna Carroll; brothers: Ralph, Allen, Jimmy, and her twin brother, Buddy; sister, Mildred; nephews: Buzz, Tim and Rob; niece, Brooke; daughter-in-law, Missy; granddaughter, Amanda Grace; and special fur-baby, Max.

Betty is survived by her loving daughter/caregiver, Cathy Roberts, and husband Steve; adopted grandson, Bill Lunsford, whom she raised from age 4; great-grandson, Jacob Lunsford, and fiance Nicki; many very special nieces and nephews; very special Carroll cousins; sisters-in-law, Ferol Carroll and Mary Joyce Carroll; and special grand-dog, Izzy Belle.

She retired from Knox County Schools after 34 years of service in Special Education as a teacher's aide, a job she truly loved and found rewarding. She made many lifelong friends, special neighbors, bonus mom to her daughter's special friends, and bonus mamaw to Kimberly O'Bryant.

Family and friends will meet at 10:30 AM for an 11:00 AM graveside service Monday, July 29, 2024 at Lynnhurst Cemetery, 2300 Adair Dr, Knoxville, TN 37918, Wayne Walker officiating. The family invites guests to share a special story or memory to celebrate Betty's life. Pallbearers: Bill Lunsford, Jake Lunsford, Christian Shinlever, and Jonathan Shinlever.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local Dementia/Alzheimer's Foundation or your local Humane Society in Betty's honor.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccartyevergreen.com.