Irene Duke, 81, passed away on July 12, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana. As a mother of five, Irene has always been a provider. Irene retired in 2020 after thirty years of service as a housekeeper, nanny and cook.

The life she so beautifully lived, deserves to be beautifully remembered. Irene was a strong willed, brave witty woman whose bark was worse than her bite. All of us will remember her as the bingo queen who was a sharp dresser, a great cook and the cornerstone of her family.

Irene is survived by two daughters, Candy Marie and Beverly Diane, both of South Bend. Irene was a loving Grandmother to twenty-three Grandchildren: thee Greatest Grandmother to forty Great Grandchildren, and a Great Great Grandmother to one Granddaughter. Special thank you to her ride or die partner in crime, favorite niece Carol Winston. A very heartfelt thank you to her niece Patricia White, who walked with us along this journey. As well as a host of family and friends whom she loved dearly.

Irene was proceeded in death by three children, Regina Rochelle Knights (Reynolds), Johnnie King Duke Jr. and Robert Joseph Duke. Her parents Everett and Lucy Neely, along with eight siblings. James Neely, Helen White, Everett Neely Jr., RoseMary Neely, Carlveen Neely, LaVonda Winston, Delores Neely and Johnny Neely. Her grandson, Donnie Lee, and three great grandchildren.

Funeral Services for Irene Duke will be at 12:00 pm on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Palmer Funeral Home – West Chapel where family and friends may begin to gather at 11:00 am.

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes Website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

Posted online on July 19, 2024

Published in South Bend Tribune

Added 07/20/2024 GMS  

https://www.southbendtribune.com/obituaries/psbn0886692