Mrs. Mildred Jewell Duke

Mildred Jewell Duke, the third child of her parents Jesse Whear Duke and Eula Singleton Duke, was born Sunday, September 29, 1935, at 5:30am in Reagan, Texas. Mildred grew up on a farm and learned how to raise chickens and everything related to living on a farm. She talked about having to milk cows prior to going to school in the morning. She learned the meaning of hard work at an early age. She worked hard during her life to achieve her goals, excel and have a better life.

Her three brothers affectionately called her “Sister” initially and then it spread to the entire family calling her “Sister.”

Mildred was raised in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. She joined New Hope Baptist Church where she was baptized. Once moving to Houston, Mildred united with Greater Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. E. D. Carrington. She was a member of several ministries in the church. She served on the General Mission Board, Sunday School and Carrington Scholarship Committee. She later joined Pentecostal Church and was a very active member, working to build the kingdom through Bible teaching and monthly presentations to the congregation.

Mildred attended elementary, junior high and high school in Bremond, Texas.

She moved to Houston and attended Blackshear Elementary during the fourth grade. Mildred began to love math during this time because she said she had a very good teacher, Ms. Sarah C. Adams, RIP. She returned to Bremond and continued her matriculation and excelled in all of her studies. She was very athletic and competitive in sports. Mildred grew up always competing with her three brothers. She was an outstanding basketball player and in high school she was known for hitting a shot mid court. Her basketball number was number two. Mildred went on to be Valedictorian of Charles Love High School, Class of 1953.

Mildred attended Texas Southern University and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Education. Mildred was initiated into Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Lambda and transferred to the Gamma Sigma Chapter. She later attended Bible College. She loved the Lord and took every opportunity to minister to others and speak at various churches.

Mildred was an educator for over 40 years. She started her teaching career in Sabine Pass, teaching elementary students. She moved back to Houston and secured a position in Houston Independent School District at Doris Miller, teaching the fourth grade. Mildred holds lifetime certifications in Elementary, High School and English as a Second Language certification. After this, she obtained a position at Stevens Elementary for several years and later taught at Houston Community College. Her final years of teaching were at Robert Browning Elementary where she retired. While working there and shining brightly, her students excelled and she became “Teacher of the Year. “

As a result of her guidance, educational achievements and financial support, all six of her grandchildren have achieved academically and have obtained their Bachelor’s degree and three have obtained their Master’s degree. Two of her grandchildren are educators like herself.

Mildred has joined her mother Eula E. Duke and father Jesse W. Duke; daughter Cheryl Frances Murphy; brothers Hiawatha Carl Roland Duke, Dr. Kenneth Pierpoint Duke and Herbert Donnell Duke in glory. She is rejoicing and having a time talking and going everywhere.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Donna Yvonne (James) and son Carl Humphery (Marcia); six grandchildren: Arthur Joseph Murphy (April); Steven Joseph Murphy (Tonya); Dyonna Alysha Scott, James “Jay” Scott, Jr., Carl Cameron Ford, Jr. (Len); Maegan Madison Ford; great-grandchildren: Dwyane James Keener, Damani Javon Keener, Bailey Maurie Murphy and Madelyn Michelle Murphy; Sister in law, Mattie Marie Duke; Goddaughter, Belinda Johnson; special cousins: Quincy Singleton, Barbara Jones and Doris Anderson and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. She also had many loving friends and ex-co-workers.

Mildred will be remembered for being a very sweet, jovial and soft-spoken soul. She loved her family, church, friends and co-workers. If you were in need of money, food or just needed to talk, she was there for you. She was loved by so many. When she was out and about, she loved to talk and interact with people. She loved to take pictures to preserve those memories. She lived well, loved much, and laughed often.

“Mildred was absolutely a Jewell,” her cousin Quincy wrote after hearing of her passing. “I already miss my cousin; she had a way of making difficult things easier with her bright and glowing personality. Just writing this text reminds me of all of her qualities.’’

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carlbarnesfuneralhome.net for the Duke family.