Joan Duke

Joan Esther McCormick Pierce Duke age 91, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away on December 24, 2019.  Her funeral service will be held Monday, December 30, 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by internment at Beal Memorial Cemetery, Fort Walton Beach.

Joan Duke was born on March 13, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York to William and Genevieve McCormick.  She married Bill Duke on June 20, 1953.  Bill and Joan lived in Granite City Illinois until 1975 when they moved to Fort Walton Beach. 

Joan’s life revolved around her husband and nine children.  She was a loving wife, mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother.  Mrs. Duke always carried photographs of her children and grandchildren which she proudly showed at every opportunity. She was preceded in death by her late husband Wayne Pierce and granddaughter Christina Duke.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Joan’s vocation was the Church.  She was a devoted Catholic and loyal member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church for forty-five years.

Joan is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Bill Duke; and Son; Terry (Dena) Pierce, his daughter Tracy Pierce (Darren) McMasters, and children, Peyton, Nolan and Rylan, and his daughter Tara Pierce Perry and children; Jordon, Ashley, Andreya, Elijah, Shayla and Savanna.  Daughter; Kathleen Pierce Paschall, her daughter Alicia Paschall and child Amara, Daughter; Eileen Pierce Wojtowicz (Ed) Kamphoefner, her son Kenneth (Kathy) Wojtowicz, his daughter Ann Wojtowicz,his son Jonathon Wojtowicz,  and children Trevor and Carson, and her daughter Jennifer Wojtowicz (Allan) Cochran, and children, Delaney and Harper, Son; Kevin (Sharon) Duke, his daughter LeeAnn (John) Reyes and children, Allyssa, Emily, and Andrew, and his son Brian Duke, Son; Dan (Colleen) Duke, his daughter Mary Duke (Steve) Lange and children, Hanna and Emma, his daughter Molly Duke (Jon) Figgimeier and children, Jack, Lily, and Greta, his daughter Bridget Duke, his daughter Gina Duke (Aaron) Walford and children, Aiden, Noah, Lucy, and Owen, and his daughter Maggie Duke (Tyler) Correll and child Bobby, Son; Tom (Lynn) Duke and his daughter Jessica, Son; Mark (Bette) and his son, Evan, Son; Richard (Kathy) Duke and his daughter Lauren, Son: Tim (Gina) Duke and his son Chris (Ashley) Duke and child Presley, his son Zach Duke, and his daughter Meghan Duke (Zach) Gleneck.     

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Mrs. Duke’s name. 

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