Funeral service for Mrs. Eloise Gay Dukes will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00am at Flipper Temple AME Church, 580 Atlanta Student Movement Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30314. Ivy Beyond the Wall Ceremony is Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 6:00pm followed by a wake at 7:00pm at Flipper Temple AME Church. Click on the following link or copy and paste in your browser to view the funeral service:

https://www.youtube.com/live/b8FvWTuNhi8?is=ZjCaebO24YZqni

Mrs. Eloise Gay Dukes peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on July 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering faith, extraordinary musical excellence, dedicated service, and unconditional love. Born on November 2, 1940, in Miami, Florida, Eloise was the cherished daughter of Rev. Dr. Samuel L. Gay, Sr. and Mrs. Inell Howell Gay. She was the only daughter among six children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, James Lloyd Gay, Samuel Lamarr Gay, and Kenneth Gay. Music was the foundation of Eloise's life from an early age. Recognizing her exceptional talent at just five years old, her parents nurtured her gift through classical and church music training. By the age of nine, she had organized a choir at her father's first pastorate in Boca Raton, Florida, and soon became a sought-after accompanist for churches and community events throughout Miami. A graduate of Miami Northwestern High School, Eloise's musical talents flourished under renowned educator Arthur Woodard. She later graduated with honors from Morris Brown College in 1962, earning a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, where she accompanied the internationally acclaimed Morris Brown College Choir. She continued her education by earning a Master of Music degree from Boston University in 1970. While pursuing her graduate studies, she met the love of her life, Mitt Wilson Dukes. Together they built a loving family and were blessed with three children: Mitt Wilson Dukes, Jr., Monica Dukes Jackson, and Melanie Dukes. Mrs. Dukes devoted more than four decades to educating and inspiring students as a Music Specialist with Atlanta Public Schools, teaching at Herndon Elementary School, Turner Middle School, East Atlanta High School, and other schools throughout thttps://www.youtube.com/live/b8FvWTuNhi8?is=ZjCaebO24YZqniIBhe district. A gifted composer, arranger, pianist, choral director, and educator, she challenged her students to pursue excellence while nurturing their individual talents. Her Bell Ensemble performed with jazz legend Lionel Hampton and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and her community choir, Praises Unlimited, received the distinguished honor of performing at the former Atlanta Memorial Arts Center. A devoted woman of faith, Mrs. Dukes faithfully served Flipper Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church for more than three decades as Director of Choirs. She also served as a Trustee, President of the Missionary Society, and founder and director of the Atlanta North Georgia Missionary Choir, while leading numerous initiatives that strengthened the church's music ministry. Mrs. Dukes was a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, initiated through the Gamma Gamma Chapter at Morris Brown College. She later became an active member of Kappa Omega Chapter in Atlanta and, in 2025, was honored as a Pearl Soror, celebrating 65 years of sisterhood and service. Never one to slow down, Eloise remained active in organizations she loved, including The Nature Gurlz, the Women for Morris Brown College Chorus, and the Parks Middle School Lunch Bunch. She embraced life with grace, joy, and purpose, remaining vibrant and engaged throughout her life. Those who knew Eloise knew a woman of elegance, wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith. Whether directing a choir, mentoring students, serving her church, supporting her community, or loving her family, she lived with humility, excellence, and an enduring commitment to helping others.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted children, Mitt Wilson Dukes, Jr.; Monica Dukes Jackson (Nicholas Jackson); and Melanie Dukes; her beloved brothers, Dr. Joseph Gay (Darlene) and Victor Gay (Sharon); her sisters-in-law, Eddye Gay, Eleanor Gay, and Annette Gay; her cherished grandchildren, Montravious Dukes, Mikayla Brittain, Terissa Brooks, and Nicholas Jackson, Jr.; her adored great-granddaughter, Mylah Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, former students, Sorors, cherished friends, and countless others whose lives were forever enriched by her love and guidance. Mrs. Dukes' legacy of faith, music, education, and service will continue to inspire generations to come.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Matthew 25:23