Wynelle Duke, 91, of Holly Pond, passed away Feb. 8, 2021. She was born March 21, 1929 in Blount County to Thomas William and Ada Little Duke.
Miss Duke was an elementary school teacher. Her teaching career spanned 44 and a half years, with much of that time spent teaching the youngsters of Holly Pond. Miss Duke was dedicated to her students and she made certain that the basic skills a young student would require were learned before leaving her classroom. Miss Wynelle also made sure that life skills were learned in her classroom as well.
Miss Duke was active in the community and returned to the school often after she retired. She supported the teachers and students there for many years and attended school functions as long as she was able. Miss Wynelle had an amazing ability to recognize a former student regardless of the years that had passed since they had been in her classroom. She was always interested in the places life had taken you and the achievements you had made. Miss Duke was a longtime resident of the community as well as a longtime member of Holly Pond First Baptist Church. In her retirement, Miss Wynelle enjoyed tending to her flowers and shrubs with the same care and dedication she gave to her students.
Miss Duke is preceded in death by her parents; her brother Billy Duke; and her sister Betty Duke.
She is survived by a brother Charles Duke; sister Lucille Edwards; a host of nieces and nephews; and many grateful students.
Funeral services for Miss Duke are at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021 in the chapel of Holly Pond Funeral Home, with several of her former students officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Pond Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family for an hour prior to services, beginning at 10 a.m.
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Duke family.
