Pearl earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree from Fayetteville State Teachers College. She received a Master’s degree in Education from Columbia University in New York where her teaching career began. Pearl moved on to teach in Georgia where she met and married Olin Dukes on September 11, 1954. Of this union, one child, Susan DeAna, was born. Olin and Pearl were married 60 years until Olin departed this life in 2014.
Pearl retired in 2005, after 57 wonderful years teaching in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Mrs. Dukes was legendary throughout the school system as a “no nonsense” teacher who knew how to get the best out of a child to enhance their education. At one time, she had the most years as a dedicated educator in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Pearl sometimes enjoyed a game of chance. She considered thoroughbred racing to be “The sport of Kings.” She was an avid Bid Whist player. Pearl loved to have intellectual conversations with friends and family about current events. She was always up for a good debate!
Pearl was a refined scholarly lady. She was ever so articulate. Hospitality was ingrained in her. She always made you feel at home. Her home was always immaculate with everything in its place. She especially loved flowers both inside and outside of the house. Her annuals were always the envy of the neighborhood.
Pearl departed this life at her home on March 13, 2020, with her loving daughter, Susan, at her bedside.
Pearl was preceded in death by her parents, David and Pearl; husband, Olin Dukes; and siblings, John, Thomas, Amy, William, Robert, James, and David.
Pearl leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Susan; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
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