Florence Isabel Duke

Florence Isabel Duke of Ashland and Ruther Glen, Virginia transitioned to her afterlife on September 13th. She was 83 years old. Florence, or “Flo” as she was known to many, was a veteran of the United States Navy. She also served her country in the Army Reserves and Virginia National Guard. After her honorable discharge from the USN, she attended Richmond Professional Institute — now Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) — where she received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1968. She then graduated from VCU in 1971 with a Masters of Social Work. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for what is now known as the Rappahannock Community Services Board, Florence parlayed her education and her innate gifts into a lifelong career of serving her clients and her community. She was known to care deeply for all her clients, and worked diligently to ensure they received the wellness assistance and social services they needed. She was much respected and beloved by her clients and colleagues alike. Among her many loved ones, she is survived by her nephews Howard Luck and James Chisholm, Jr.; god-nephews Dmitriy Jenkins and Vadim Jenkins; her devoted friends and care-givers Kendra Fields and daughter Alexis; and, dear friends Thomas Jenkins, Jr. and Susan Barr. She was preceded in the afterlife by cherished family members, including her parents Howard Eldridge Duke and Mary Perkins Duke; her sister, Barbara Duke Chisholm; her infant brother, Ray Duke; her life partner, Shirley Smith; and, her beloved canine companions, Bear, Billy, and Janie. As was her belief, her spirit is now with theirs. A visitation for Florence will be held Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 1pm to 5pm at Nelsen Funeral Home Reid Chapel, 412 S. Washington Hwy., Ashland, VA 23005. A graveside service will occur Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Signal Hill Memorial Park, 12360 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Hanover, VA 23069. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hanover Humane Society [hanoverhumanesociety.org/donate] and Diversity Richmond [diversityrichmond.org/donations]