Gaynelle Virginia Duke

Gaynelle Virginia Cheek Duke, 87, of Richmond, went to be with the Lord, March 11, 2012. She dedicated her life to helping young and adult women in crisis or need. Her kindness and warm heart could not be contained in her love and listening ear for those that needed a shoulder to lean on. Her sense of humor was a blessing to many. she loved writing, singing, playing the piano, and at all times being with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Henry Duke, and her son, David Duke.

She is survived by her children, William Paul Duke and his wife Joan, Margaret Virginia Duke, Thomas Cheek Duke and Mark Adams, grandchildren; Lisa Duke Cary and her husband William, April Duke Zimmerman, Autumn Duke Barrett and her husband Douglas, Christopher Thomas Duke and his wife Katie, great grandchildren; Chester and Mikayla Zimmerman, and Audrey Duke, her cousin Jo Wilson, and her caretaker and friend, Rosie Kuzel.

She graduated from John Marshall High School (class of 1941), was a research librarian for American Tobacco until retirement, was a member of Bethany Christian Church and Coles Point Methodist Church, was a past member of Berryman Methodist Church, she was an adviser to the board of directors for Deo Volente (Gulls) and she held multiple positions on the board since 1969. She was a board member and faithful book keeper for Beyond, Inc. (a counseling agency). She was the author of two books of poetry; (Poems of Faith, Hope, and Love; ...And There's More! The Master's Voice.). She was a volunteer for the Goochland Women's Prison ministry and loved her girls, and was a founding member of Al-Anon in Richmond and started a number of Al-Anon meetings in Richmond.

The family will receive friends Thursday, March 15, from 6 to 8pm, at the Huguenot Chapel of Woody Funeral Home, 1020 Huguenot Rd, Midlothian. Services will be held at 1pm, on Friday, March 16, at the funeral home. Interment Maury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to 2414 A West Main Street, Richmond, Va. 23220 (Made out to Deo Volente a non-profit organization) (please say G. Duke). Condolences may be made at: www.woodyfuneralhomehuguenot.com