SIKESTON -- Mrs. Stella Viola Tate Duke was the guest of honor during her 100th birthday celebration April 22 at the North Acres General Baptist Church, where a host of family and friends gathered during the afternoon.
About 200 people attended the event, including State Rep. Ron Casey who made an appearance to present Mrs. Duke with an official state proclamation recognizing her 100th birthday. A music program was also held in the church sanctuary and given by Mrs. Duke's seven children, grandchildren and great-
grandchildren.
Born April 19, 1906, in Charleston, Mrs. Duke married the late Martin Ebert Duke on Jan. 3, 1923, at New Madrid County. They were married for 35 years and had 10 children: Lydia Belle, who died at age 11 months; Hazel Maxine Duke Billington of Festus; Rillie Rudolph Duke (deceased); A.A. "Buddy" Duke of Paducah, Ky.; Velma Ruth "Ricki" Duke Stacy of Little Rock, Ark.; Franklin D. Duke of The Dalles, Ore.; Joyce Joann Duke Cowan of Terre Haute, Ind.; Donald Gene Duke of Jackson; Saundra Lee Duke Presley (deceased); and Bobby Glen Duke of Stillwater, Okla.
Mrs. Duke, who resides at Sikeston Convalescent Manor, is well-known for her homemade plum jelly and her love of quilting. She was a charter member of the General Baptist Church now known as North Acres General Baptist Church. She worked for the Paul Fisher family of Sikeston for many years as well as the Barkett family.