Betty Dukes

A bright star known as Betty Frances was born November 3, 1934, to parents Aaron Harris and Samuella Hickman in Decatur, Illinois. She had two brothers, David and Clifford, (both preceded her in death) who pestered her daily, helping her to become a strong young lady. Betty received her first Bible at age eleven from her God-fearing grandmother, Bessie F Watkins. Her grandmother left a beautiful inscription, “With love hoping as you grow in age you will grow in Grace as an instructor,” and that’s just what she did; she dedicated her life faithfully to Christ.   

She grew up working in her Uncle Harold and Aunt Evelyn’s store where they raised and sold chickens. As a young Black woman, she had no idea how invaluable this experience would be as financial education for her future. In her spare time, she enjoyed dancing and listening to many of the jazz greats when they arrived in the neighboring town of Chicago, Illinois.  

She moved to Los Angeles, CA with her mother and soon to be stepfather, Theodore Rogers, in 1952. There she had four children: Terry, Claudia, Kevin, and Lisa. After her marriage to George Dukes, she had her fifth child, Shari. She and George moved the family to San Diego where they remained married until George passed away in March 2017 (56.5 years). This is the true meaning of “Til death do us part.” 

Betty enjoyed life! She loved league bowling and had many trophies to prove her skills and dedication. She taught her kids how to ride a bike, skate, and sew. She made all her girls’ clothes for special occasions which were a gift of love and all worn proudly. She was a great cook and had “hot feet” on the dance floor. Most importantly, Betty loved the Lord and passed this love of God to her children. In 1969, she found Second Baptist Church in Linda Vista where she worked as the church secretary from 1976-1982 until she moved her fellowship to Mt. Erie Baptist Church. Under Rev. Walter Wells, she dedicated 35 years in attendance, and many of those years were spent singing faithfully as an alto in the Senior Choir. She had a beautiful voice and was loved by many.   

Betty completed her education by taking adult education courses. After receiving her diploma, she enrolled into a Biomedical Laboratory Assistant course which opened an opportunity for employment as Biology Laboratory Assistant at UCSD where she advanced for 20 years until she retired. Her greatest success was to be a great mom who loved the Lord and was ready to serve when the church doors opened. She loved with passion and if she called you “Sweetie,” it meant a great deal.

We celebrate the life of our dearly beloved mother who left her legacy and mark in our hearts. 

Betty peacefully passed away on December 22, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuella and Aaron, her stepfather Theodore, Her husband George, and sons Terry and Kevin. She is survived by her daughters Claudia, Lisa, and Shari, eight grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.    

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