Anna Ruth Vann Duke

In a few words, Anna's life was inspirational, caring, happy, loving, and determined. From an early age Anna was a unique child. Her personality, friendly demeanor, and interest in helping others became the foundation for her incredible life.

Always involved in many activities and organizations, she was in the band and served as a Drum Major and Twirler for Baytown Junior High. She was crowned Miss Robert E. Lee in 1952, elected Senior Class Secretary, served as the Drum Major of the Robert E. Lee High School Band, and received many other awards and honors throughout high school.

In college she was a member of Whos Who in American Colleges and Universities, Senior Class Favorite, Philo Sorority, fire baton twirler at many events, and Drum Major of the Sam Houston Bearkat Band.

After receiving her BS degree in 1956, she married Herbert H. Duke Jr. and began her career in education. She was the Drill Team Director for the Galena Park Jacketeers, taught twirling and tennis lessons, and participated in many sporting and social activities in the Baytown community, all while raising three children. At the age of 50, Anna's love of education compelled her to pursue her Masters Degree in Counseling, and she received her MS degree from The University of Houston at Clear Lake. Soon after, she began her second career and worked with many children at the elementary level in Channelview and Goose Creek CISD as a school counselor.

In addition to her love of education, she enjoyed traveling with her husband Herbert. Through the years they traveled to Africa, Russia, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, Alaska, The Galapagos Islands, and many other destinations in the United States and abroad.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Herbert H. Duke Jr. M.D., sister in law, Elayne Brunson, children, Stewart Duke and wife Terrie, Stacey Duke-Boyes and husband Tim Boyes, Vann Duke and wife Erin, grandchildren, Megan, Melanie, and Miles Dean, Wade and Grant Duke, Courtney, Morgan, Holly, and Cody Boyes and many nieces and nephews.

Her family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace United Methodist Church Campus, 304 North Pruett St., Baytown, TX 77520 with Rev. Carol Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.