JoAnne Duke Obituary

JoAnne Hickman Duke went home to be with her Lord January 9, 2025.

Born January 20, 1931 in Rockville, MD to Lillian and Charles Hickman, JoAnne was an outdoor enthusiast playing sports, riding horses, and spending time on her beloved grandparents' farm gathering eggs, milking cows, and playing with her younger siblings and cousins.

She earned honors and served in the student government and as her class VP at Richard Montgomery High School. She pursued her RN and BS in nursing, specializing in Psychiatry, from the University of Rochester. While working in New York, she met her future husband, Joseph E Duke M.D., who was in his internal medicine residency, doing a rotation in psychiatry. They married and moved to Bradenton, Florida after being embraced by the medical community and the newly built Manatee Memorial Hospital.

Five children and many lifelong achievements followed. JoAnne was especially lauded for her 40 years of Board service with Manatee Glens and the development of the Duke Legacy Endowment Fund set in place by her and Joe. As President of the Board, she worked to open this local crisis center, only the second such center in the State at that time. She was also instrumental in locating property and building a senior residence for mental health and addiction needs. 

JoAnne was passionately dedicated to her church where she served and volunteered in just about every capacity including as an elder, trustee, and treasurer for 10 years. She funded an endowment that helped supply the church with annual income for its programs. She was a life member of Entre Nous, one of the oldest services clubs in the community. She was given a lifetime award of service for the years she supported initiatives for Just for Girls. She was honored for Leadership at the Spirit of Manatee yearly awards ceremony presented by the Manatee Community Foundation.

JoAnne was an avid reader and well versed in current politics. She loved writing letters to her representatives and trying to make a difference on a local, state and federal level. She also wrote letters to everyone in her life that needed a kind word, a loving message, or a blessing of a shared thought. She was a true caregiver in her acts of service.

She stayed active playing tennis, gardening, riding horses, and running her children all over town. She saved many stray critters, nurturing most inside the family house. From baby wild pigs and squirrels to horses, cows, dogs, cats, “10,000” rabbits and baby ducks. There were few dull moments in the Duke household.

She was most proud of her children, 10 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Affectionately known as Nanny, Ma, Pig Mamma and Jo Jo, she dedicated her life to making the most welcoming and fun gathering space so the family could enjoy endless memorable fun times together. She was a true southern host and cook, and there was never a lack of homemade foods followed by wonderful sugary desserts.

JoAnne was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Edward Duke Sr. (Joe), and her eldest daughter Linda. She is survived by son, Joseph Edward Duke Jr., (Jay), his wife Beth, their son Joseph Edward Duke III (Jason), daughter Savannah Fish and her husband Matt; Daughter Laura Cheston and her husband Rich, their three sons Duke, Mike with wife Corisa and children Will and Georgia Rae, and Clay with wife Janelle and daughter Adelaide; daughter Dianne O’Malley and husband Drew and their three sons, Andy and wife Katlyn, Thomas and wife Amanda, and Ian; and daughter Donna Morrison with husband Howell and their two daughters Alexandra Freeze and husband Sam with daughter Hazel, and Grace Morrison with husband Jose Camargo.

The family would like to especially thank Tammy Lemke who cared for her and sustained her for over 30 years. Our gratitude is beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westminster Manor on February 1 at 2 PM, located at 1700 21st Ave. W., Bradenton. A private interment will be held at Mansion Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice House Bradenton, www.tidewellhospice.org