Carolyn Ann Duke August 30, 1937 – December 24, 2025

 

Carolyn Ann Duke went home to be with the Lord at the age of 88 on December 24, 2025. She was born on August 30, 1937, in Laredo, Texas, to her parents Frances Kathryn Robinson and Charles Blossom Plumb. She was the third of four children, preceded in death by her brothers Charles Plumb and Mickey Plumb, her sister Barbara “Marino” Plumb, and her beloved husband of 55 years, Donald Lee Duke.

 

Carolyn was the mother of six children, three of whom went home to be with the Lord at early ages: Dennis Russell at age 2, Cheryl Denice at age 7, and Scott Bradley at age 39. She is survived by her three sons: Robert Duke and his wife Julie, Mickey Duke and his wife Barbra, and Gary Duke and his wife Tess.

 

She was blessed with twelve grandchildren—Jacob Duke (Jumyr), Jessica Flammini (Frank), Alexander Duke (Elizabeth), Cody Duke (Tania), Christian Duke, Justin Duke (Samantha), Brandon Duke (Deceased), Erica Menlo (John), and Bradley Duke (Kaitlyn), Luke Meyer (Jasmin), Savanna Meyer, Colton Williams—and eighteen great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy. She was adorned the crown of “Super Gramma” and wore it proudly.

 

Carolyn spent her early years in Laredo, Texas, where she attended high school and became fluent in Spanish. Her bilingual ability enriched her relationships with her grandparents and extended family across the border in Mexico, and it continued to delight people throughout her life. She loved surprising others with her Spanish, especially during family outings for Mexican food, always sparking laughter and making new friends.

 

Her family later moved north along the Texas Gulf Coast. Carolyn loved the beach—the warm sand, the ocean breeze—and even worked at a float stand in Corpus Christi as a young girl. As the family grew, they eventually relocated to San Antonio and later to Houston.

 

 In 1964, Carolyn met the love of her life, Donald Lee Duke. They were later married and together they built their life, living in various parts of Texas before moving west to Bakersfield, California, where they spent 47 years. In 2016, they relocated to Chehalis, Washington, to start a new chapter while still being close to family.

 

After the passing of Donald in 2019, she made numerous trips to visit her family in Texas and her babies in Bakersfield. These trips were truly a highlight for her.

 

Over the past few years, Carolyn showed remarkable determination in facing life's challenges, from recovering from a broken hip to managing periods of illness. Her unwavering spirit kept her moving forward. She found joy and purpose in arts and crafts, spending countless hours at her craft table creating items for bazaars, keeping her hands and heart busy.

 

Carolyn was a woman who loved deeply and without hesitation. She was “Mom” to everyone— family, friends, and anyone who needed a place to belong. She welcomed all with unconditional love, compassion, and warmth. No matter your age, if you were in her life, you were her baby. Anyone who knew her loved her, because she truly was someone special.

 

Her legacy of kindness, laughter, and boundless love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

 

A celebration of life service will be held in Bakersfield California at the New Life Church, 4201 Stine Rd., Bakersfield, CA. 93313 on January 31, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 and a gathering time from 1:00 to 2:30 to follow the celebration service at the church.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Carolyn Duke to Assured Hospice Centralia, WA.

 

Poem

"He Only Takes the Best"

God saw she was getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So, he put his arm around her and whispered, "Come with me”. With tear filled eyes we watched her suffer and fade away Although we loved her deeply, we could not make her stay. A big heart stopped beating a weak stricken body was put to rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us. He only takes the best.