Obituary of Thomasena E. Dukes

Thomasena Elizabeth Dukes, 90, of Brunswick and formerly of Troy, peacefully entered eternal life surrounded by and in the loving comfort of her son, John, and daughter, Debra, on Sunday, April 23, 2023.

Born and educated in Greeleyville, South Carolina, Mother Dukes, as she was affectionally known, was the daughter of the late Lead Joe and Florence Robinson Joe and was the beloved wife of the late Junior Dukes. 

Mother Dukes retired in 1993 from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance in Albany where she had been employed for 26 years. She had also been employed at the Bank of America post-retirement for another 10 years.

Mother Dukes had a deep-rooted spiritual love for her family, church and community. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ, where she became a member of Wilson Chapel AME Church in Greeleyville SC, from there, as a young adult, she joined Salem United Methodist Church in NYC, then to Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church in Troy, NY, where she was a faithful member for over 60 years. At Fifth Avenue AME, she was active in numerous positions, such as the Senior Choir, the Zion Chorale Choir and Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society.

Mother Dukes community service is also noteworthy. She was an active member of the Versatile Club, volunteering at AARP Tax Aid, Troy Senior Center Treasurer, Shop Steward for Civil Service Employees Association, Local 690, past board member of Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program and served as an election poll representative. Her favorite hobby was shopping! Which showed because of her most undeniable stylish appearance.  

Mother Dukes loved life and did not waste one minute of enjoyment. She loved her family, her friends and befriended all.

Mother Dukes is survived by her children Debra Dukes, John (Dorothy) Dukes, of Troy NY; cherished grandmother of Maurice Dukes of Troy NY; Michelle Dukes of Owings Mills, MD, Rahman (Gina) Dukes of Tappan, NY; Danica Dukes of Troy, NY; Shaneaka Dukes of Albany NY; and Rafael (Ashley) Anderson of Phoenix, AZ; adored great grandmother of Brianah, Mason, Jakari, Rahsaan, Rahsiyah, Brooke, Cameron, Caiden and Jasier; her sister Valerie Livingston of Lawrence, GA; her godchildren Rosie Brinson, Pamela Dukes-Wright, Ramona Smith; also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her son Ronald (Winnie) Dukes; her parents Lead Joe and Florence Robinson Joe, siblings Sara (late, John) Poindexter, Sumpter Green, John Joe, Barbara Ludell Scott and her godchild Laurie Hilton.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by her Home Going Service at 11:00 a.m., both at Bethel Baptist Church, 2165 Fifth Avenue, Troy, New York 12180.

Interment will be held in Memory’s Garden, Colonie.

Repast will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Hall following the interment.

The Dukes family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to her close friends and confidants, Olivia Booker, Thelma Brown, Carol Praylor and the Fresenius Kidney Care staff.

Those desiring, may make memorial contributions to the Fifth Avenue AME Zion Church, in memory of Thomasena Dukes.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted by the family to the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc. 565 Fourth Avenue (at the corner of 115^th Street in Lansingburgh) Troy, NY 12182.

Please feel free to watch the Memorial Video or offer your on-line Condolences by using those tabs on this website.