Gwen Dukes's obituary was in the Clarion Ledger yesterday. She is survived by children Jan, Jena, Lee, and Stan, and she was preceded in death by son Stephen. The reason I make special mention of her here is because of a special memory I have of her. When I was in Viet Nam, she asked mama if I knew of anyone over there who never got mail or heard from home. One Marine there was a kid there named Tuttle, and he had NObody. He NEVER got any mail. He was from CA, and sorta just raised himself. What family he might have had didn't seem to care about him one way or the other. So mama asked and I told her about Tuttle. Mrs. Dukes started writing him and sending a package every now and then. You would not BELIEVE what a difference that made in his life! It made his tour there a little more tolerable. She and I became FB friends in recent years and I tried to thank her adequately for her generosity to him, but, to my everlasting shame, I didn't drive over to Clinton to thank her in person. All I can do now is remember her publicly and honor her memory. On behalf of Tuttle, myself, and (I am sure) others to whom she gave kindness, "Thank you, Mrs. Dukes."
Re: A Bearcat mama
Posted by Kaye ‘63 on February 2, 2022, 2:43 pm, in reply to "A Bearcat mama"
Love that story, Robert. One never knows how small acts of kindness will make someone’s day.
Condolences to the Duke’s family and friends.
Re: A Bearcat mama
Posted by Mark Welsh on February 2, 2022, 1:37 pm, in reply to "A Bearcat mama"
Thank you for your service Robert and it was good to hear that you were able to connect two people who drew comfort from each other. A solemn salute to Miss Gwen.
Re: A Bearcat mama
Posted by Lu Ann Gould on February 2, 2022, 9:57 am, in reply to "A Bearcat mama"
What a beautiful memory of Mrs. Dukes for you and “ Tuttle”! Thank you for sharing that. Our sympathies to the Duke family.
Re: A Bearcat mama
Posted by Becky Gaddis Guider on February 3, 2022, 3:49 pm, in reply to "Re: A Bearcat mama"
So thankful you posted such a wonderful tribute to this Lady!