Esther, one of fourteen children, was born October 27, 1925 at the family homestead in Wake County to the late Marion Dawson Smith and Ila Frances Tew. She was employed as a seamstress for Apex Manufacturing Co. for over 35 years.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Curtis Duke, her daughter, Linda Kay Duke Thompson, her parents, and twelve of her siblings.
Esther is survived by her sister, Katie Marie Brown and husband, James; grandson, Doug and wife, Michelle; great-grandsons, Waylon and Mitchell Byrd, and wife, Ashley; great-granddaughter, Caressa Baker and husband, D.J.; four great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2016 at Apex Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial service will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.
Due to Esther’s love of flowers, flowers would be graciously received by her family. If preferred, however, memorials in her name may be made to the charity of your choice.
