Margaret Diane Herndon Duke

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. KJV Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend to many ..… Margaret enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. Born on July 29, 1951 in Cullman, Alabama, to Eskell and Opal Herndon, she graduated from Holly Pond High School, Class of ’69. Immediately after graduation, Margaret went to work in Cullman for Southern Bell, her one and only employer. After working in Cullman, Birmingham, Opelika, Decatur and back to Birmingham in 1976, she retired in 2002 with 30 plus years of service with the company even though it had numerous name changes during her career. In her 26 years in Birmingham, she worked in various departments in various locations in the Metro area. After retirement she planned the weddings of her two daughters. Margaret loved retirement, playing bunco and spending girl time with lifelong friends, traveling with her husband and friends, family time at the lake and long boat rides but, most of all, her grandkids who affectionately called her GaGa. As a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church since 1976, she was active in her Sunday School class, “Empty Nesters.” A strong Christian woman who lived her faith daily, she was a role model to many. People sought her counsel, even strangers at the grocery store. Married on August 26, 1972, she is survived by her husband of 48 years Wendell Duke, parents Eskell and Opal Herndon, daughters Allison (Mark) Bridges and Laura (David) Broom, grandchildren Harrison Bridges (12), Camille and Henry Bridges (10), Charlotte Broom (9), Jane Broom (6), and Evelyn Bridges (6), brother Darrell (Martha) Herndon, niece Chelsea Herndon, nephew Graham Herndon, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret's family would like to thank all the members of her medical team at UAB and Emory. We would especially like to thank Dr. Khaleel Ashraf of Hematology Oncology Associates of Alabama and Dr. Pankit Vachhani of UAB for their compassionate care. The public is invited to a graveside celebration of her life to be held at Welti Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 8817 County Road 747, Cullman, Alabama 35055 with Rev. Randy Sellers and Rev. Mark Harrison officiating on Monday, January 18th at 1:00 pm. The family respectfully request face coverings be worn and social distancing practiced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to the Welti Cemetery Fund, c/o Gary Reid, 202 Schwann Avenue NE, Cullman, AL 35055. Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home directing. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing. KJV 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Tributes

Margaret Diane Herndon Duke

July 29, 1951 - January 13, 2021