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Mary Katherine Dukes, 96 years of age, passed away on Thursday, August 29th, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, MS.
Katherine was born on October 27, 1928, near Raleigh, MS, to the late Henry (Jack) and Gladys Boykin. She was the oldest of five children. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ray (Bo), and a sister, Joyce. She is survived by a brother, Jerry (Gina) Boykin, and a sister, Patsy Barker. Katherine was educated at Crossroads School and Raleigh High School.
Katherine married the late Oscar Dukes in 1945 and had three children. They left the Shongelo community in 1955 and moved their family to Jackson. In 1970, they returned to their family land and lived there the remainder of their lives. Katherine worked for Mississippi Valley Gas and then spent almost 30 years as a manager at Blue Cross. She was in the antiques business with her daughter, Mary, for nearly 60 years.
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Katherine was the matriarch of her family and was always there in times of need. When her mother, Gladys, suffered from Alzheimer’s, she visited and fed her every day for eight years. She was a strong woman and believed no problem was too big to overcome. She was a child of the Depression and had a pioneer spirit that was the foundation of her family. Katherine was a lifelong member of Trinity Church and was a cornerstone of her community. She was accepting of everyone and always willing to help when called upon. Katherine was a very good gardener and loved sharing food with her family and friends.
Katherine was preceded in death by her husband, Oscar, and her son, Oscar Lee Dukes. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Montez Bruntlett (Steve), and son, Arthur Dee Dukes (Karla). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Steve Bruntlett, Jr (Missy), Sean Bruntlett (Jennifer), Lee Dukes (Kim), Caleb Dukes (Shelby), and Tim Dukes (Lizzie). Katherine is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Anna Sellers (Chet), Ivey Bruntlett, Luke Bruntlett, Swayze Bruntlett, Bodhi Bruntlett, Tristan Dukes, Victoria Craft (Matt), Molly Sullivan, Jack Dukes, Jude Dukes, and Brayden Dukes. She is also survived by four great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Trinity Church in the Shongelo Community at 10:00 a.m. Her family will conduct services with visitation at 9 am and funeral at 10 am.
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