Merle Modine Duke

Merle Damon Duke, age 91, passed away peacefully while taking a nap on her back porch swing on May 28, 2019. She was born in Leon County on July 18, 1927 to Harmon and Mirtie Damon. After completing her education, she worked in retail for a short time, but her true calling was caring for her family. She married George Lee Duke November 23, 1945 in Centerville and they soon moved to Ellis County, making their permanent residence in Waxahachie, TX in 1971. Merle dedicated 68 years of her life to caring for her handicapped son and was reunited with him in Heaven just seven months after his passing. She enjoyed working in her garden and flower beds, playing the slot machines, cooking huge meals for the family and Dallas Cowboys football right up until the day she passed away. Grandma always put others first, was an inspiration to all who knew her and was truly an angel on earth. We will carry her unconditional love, endless laughs, countless memories and life lessons with us always.

Grandma was proceeded in death by husband, George Lee Duke; beloved son, Ronnie "BoBo" Duke; parents, Harmon and Mirtie Damon; two brothers and one sister. She is survived by daughter, Fay Davis and husband, Garey; daughter, Cathy Barnes; grandson, Ron Jones, granddaughter, Amy Davis; great-grandson, Landon Jernigan; great-granddaughter, Laighton Jernigan; great-granddaughter, Hannah Jones; sister, Vera Box; brother, Joe Damon and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1 P.M., Sunday, June 2, 2019 at New Salem Cemetery Chapel. Interment will follow in the New Salem Cemetery. There will be no public visitation.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home in Centerville, Texas.