Gaynell Duke

Ms. Gaynell Thompson Duke, born April 27, 1936 in Gulfport, Mississippi, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

Ms. Duke, a native of Long Beach, MS lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast until marrying John V. Duke in 1959. They transferred to California after the birth of their son, Darrell W. Duke. After three years they returned to the Mississippi Gulf Coast where they lived prior to moving to Gulf Breeze, Florida. Ms. Duke was a secretary, home maker and former owner of her own Gift Shop. She was a former member of New Hope Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS. As the daughter of a Baptist minister she led a very active life in all types of church activities.

At the time of her death she was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Gulf Breeze, FL where she was very involved in the music programs of the church. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir, the Senior Adult’s Choir and the Gospel Quartet as well as being Music Coordinator for the choir. She was very active in the Senior Adult Activities, taking part in planning their activities, as well as other church projects. Ms. Duke loved her church and her church family and enjoyed working with them. She will be missed by her son and church family.

Ms. Duke was preceded in death by her husband, retired Sr Msgt. John V. Duke of Gulf Breeze, FL. Her father, Rev. Clyde M. Thompson and her mother, Ms. Gladys McIntosh both of Gulfport, MS.

Survivors include one son, Darrell W. Duke and his wife Elizabeth Schexnider Duke, 4 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren of Gulf Breeze, FL. One brother, Dr. Ray Thompson and his wife Jean Carey Thompson of Chattanooga, TN. One nephew, Steven Ray Thompson, his wife Sharon Garwood Thompson of Moore, OK. One niece, Catherine Grace Thompson of Budapest, Hungary, and three great nephews, one great niece and one great, great niece.

A visitation will begin at 9: 00 AM, Tuesday, June 18, 2019 with funeral services at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church, Gulf Breeze, FL.  A graveside service will follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, MS. Tuesday, the 18th of June, 2019 at 2:00 PM.