Birth date: Nov 16, 1952 Death date: Sep 24, 2022
Debra Ann Burks Duke passed away on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, surrounded by her family in White Oak, TX. She was born in Longview, TX on November 16, 1957, to Billy Joe and Nancy Tuttle Burks. Debra is survived by: daughter R Read Obituary
Oh Debra...I call you auntie Debra because you and my mom were like sisters. When she was sick, you baked us what we call Debra Duke Baked Chicken. We still call that dish by your name til this day. You gifted me my first, beautiful orange cat Nemo and were always on the look out for pets to take in. Such a good hearted, kind, hard working humorous soul. I love you auntie Debra Duke. It's not goodbye, it's see you later.
I remember Debra always ready to substitute for some one at the table when my husband, Buddy and I would go over for dominoes with her mom and dad. It was always a treat.
As I sit here today, with a heavy heart, one of the best friends in my entire life, (I do not use those two words loosely) but I can honestly say, Debra Duke was one of my BESTIES. She was my “vanilla sister” and I, her “chocolate sister,” neither had biological sisters. We worked as medical transcriptionists at Good Shepherd, since that initial acquaintance, we became partners in crime, and I never called her by her first name only, it is always “Debra Duke.” My friend you may be gone from this cruel world, but YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN! Our Heavenly Father has other plans for you now, we will meet again someday. During your lifetime, you accomplished so much, raised three beautiful, successful children, Robbie, Destiny, and Clayton, all of which you always expressed how proud you were of them all. I must tell this funny story; I tell it often, one day we were riding, and Debra Duke abruptly pulled over, popped the trunk, jumped out and said, “come on Lesia” I said, “what are we doing”? Debra said, “look at those flowers, lets dig them up,” it was a vacant lot.” Now I said “Debra Duke”, this brown girl is not going to get out and dig up flowers from a yard with a shovel, no ma’am, I’ll be in jail”, we laughed but guess what, a few years later, I found myself checking out vacant yards, never stopped, but because of Debra Duke, I found myself looking at vacant lots. One of the many funny memories we shared. Debra Duke also introduced me to the Hillbilly Zodiac as Scorpios, we are “Butter Beans,” (October 24 – November 22). It said you always want to invite a Butter Bean to the party because Butter Beans are the party, we get along well with everybody. As a Butter Bean, we should be proud, we have grown on the vine of life, and feel at home no matter what the setting. We do not meet strangers. That was true for me and Debra Duke, a truly extraordinary friend, just as our 25-year friendship. I want to thank my Heavenly Father for the time He allowed me to spend Debra Duke, so many precious, priceless, unforgettable memories I will hold in my heart forever. Until we meet again my friend, I love you, hold it down now, and I will see you on the other side, Love you, Debra Duke! “Lives are like rivers: Eventually they go where they must. Not where we want them to.” Richard Russo
Words fall short of expressing our sorrow and we trust your happy memories will help you through the difficult times ahead.
With love to all - Vicki, Wade, Barry
Debra was a fun loving and aggressive 42 player will be missed
C wyche
A sad day indeed. My only memory of you is being at your home when I was a girl. You were so nice to me. Sorry I didn't get to know you better after adulthood. God speed.
