“The Life of Sergeant Mitt Wilson Dukes, Sr.”
Mitt Dukes, nicknamed, “June bug” began his life on September 29, 1935 in the Flora Avenue Neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. He bragged about being a “Grady Baby”. He was the fourth boy born to Willie Key Dukes and father Willie Dukes. He graduated from David T. Howard High School and decided to join the Armed Forces to assist his mother who was helping to raise the children of his sister Thelma. They became an important part of his life.
Mitt joined Saint Peter AME Church where his mother was a member. He became an ardent reader, increasing his faith in God and his church. In later life, he served as Superintendent of the Sunday School. When his pastor was reassigned to Cosmopolitan AME Church in 1996, he asked Mitt to join him as Superintendent of the Sunday School. Mr. Dukes decided to join after sharing a great fellowship with the members. He especially enjoyed teaching the men’s class.
The military became an important part of his life. He was assigned to the medical section of the Army and later to finance. He was a soldier in the Korean and Vietnam conflict Era and Peacetime. His travels also took him to Japan and Switzerland. He joined the Army Reserve in 1980 and was hired as Program/Budget NCO at 818 Hospital Center- Fort Gillam Army Base. He received many commendations for his leadership, devotion to duty, and realistic approach to problems by his DET Commander.
Mr. Dukes began his teaching career after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Albany State in 1961. Additional studies were done at Boston University in Special Education. He taught in Irwinton, Ga and the Atlanta Public Schools for 34 years. While at Boston University, he met the love of his life, Eloise Gay. In 1971 they were joined in marriage and were blessed with three children.
Mitt leaves a legacy of love to brother, Roy Dukes (Rev. Janice), sons, David (Carolyn), Mitt. Jr. (Montravious); daughters, Tonya (Alfred), Monica, (Nicholas), Melanie, (Mikayla and Terissa) a host of grands, one great grandchild, brother and sister in laws, nephews, cousins, and a favorite niece, Patrice.
Funeral Services will take place on Monday, October 19, 2020 at 11:00 am in the Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors Chapel. Viewing will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Live stream of this service is available using the following link:
https://vimeo.com/468677327
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