Daisy Mae Dukes

HER STORY…. 

 Ms. Daisy Mae Dukes, the daughter of Ben Dukes and Irene Dukes, was born on October 20, 1934 in Attapulgus, Georgia.

While Daisy appreciated her humble beginnings in such a rural area, she desperately wanted to escape the “backwards way of living”, as she would always say. This led her to migrate to New York City, New York in 1953 and to eventually migrate to Michigan City, Indiana on December 24, 1959.  Ms. Daisy grew up in a Southern Baptist Church and was an avid believer in The Lord and His son Jesus Christ. During her stay in Michigan City, Indiana she attended Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church.

Ms. Daisy lived as an extremely strong and vibrant woman who led an exuberant life. On any random Tuesday one could count on Ms. Daisy to have a full house with The Blues playing, the savory aroma of soul food filling the air, playing cards flipping on the table, and most importantly the laughter of various family and friends. Ms. Daisy was a compassionate humanitarian. She would give until she had nothing left to give. This includes money, a place to stay, food, and often just a listening ear. Ms. Daisy had no problem inviting strangers into her kitchen, under a few conditions: ‘wash ya hands and don’t be talkin’ over her pots.’ Likewise, she would invite anyone into her home as long as you maintained the spotless conditions, she kept her house in. Many of her family and friends will remember her as a true comedian. Her everyday vernacular was laced with funny sayings such as, “I heard that”, “them kids on a ball”, “you got that right,” and of choice of few choice words.

Daisy encapsulated the essence of an independent, alpha woman. She was a sharp woman who took care of herself and dressed herself up as a life-sized doll from head-to-toe. She prided herself on being a strong woman who always managed to take care of every single one of her 10 children despite the various personal struggles she faced and preserved through in her lifetime. Ms. Daisy leaves behind a legacy of fortitude, fairness, faith, and unconditional love. We thank God for his grace that our matriarch was able to transition into a life of no suffering and eternal peace.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories to her children: Robert Lee Dukes, Betty Dukes, Ollie Mae Dukes, Mary Catherine Hicks, Yvonne Dukes all of Michigan City, IN; and Timothy (Gloria) Dukes of Grand Perry, Texas; her sister: Ozie Bell Dukes of Bainbridge, Georgia; 40 grandchildren: Lil Rob, Wanda, Duke, Terrance, Tony, Natrina, Joseph, Dakoda, Lil Jack, Leo, Jermaine, Shavone, Dominique, Lil Wayne, Jackie, Jarvis, Karemia, Lil Al, Dre, Ava, Kenyatta, Avery, Tay Tay, Alicia, DeAbra, Vicky, Shaquille, Destiny, Brenda, Justin, Khalife, Timothy Jr.., 88 great grandchildren: 13 great-great grandchildren: Grandma’s boys: Jorell Roberts and Carey Simpson; Godchildren: Ricky Walker and Shona Murphy, Special friends: Rene Byrd and Marie Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.  

Daisy Mae Dukes gained her heavenly wings on June 7, 2023 at Aperion Care. Ms. Daisy is preceded in death by her parents; Ben and Irene Dukes, a sister; Irene Branch; 3 brothers; Johnny, Willie, and Joe Dukes, 1 daughter; Lil’ Ruth and two sons; Anthony and Michael Dukes, 2 grandsons; Larron Roberts and Michael Dukes, Special daughter; Barbara White and special son; Wayne Davis and Wayne White, God- daughter; Robin Henderson-Odil, Special friends; Ruth Williams, Mary Hutchinson, Maxine Wilson, Sylvia Lewis, Andrew Dykes, Tom Payne Allison and Mr. Carter.

Ms. Daisy’s presence, smile, love and laughter will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

Her Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, June 16, 2023 at High Praise Outreach Ministries at 12:00 noon, with visitation from 11:00am until the time of service. Burial will take place at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens and Pastor Allen Briggs will do the eulogy. 

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