Obituary for Valeria Duke (Nelson)
Valeria Merrel Nelson Duke, 75, went into the arms of Jesus on Saturday December 23, 2023. Valeria was born November 30, 1948, in Memphis, TN, to the late Hayse Nelson and Lousie Nelson Arnold. She attended Overton High School, became a cosmetologist and later a registered nurse.
She loved thrift shopping, dumpster diving in her younger years and the outdoors. She loved to ride motorcycles, camping and fishing. It was always the thrill of the catch. She also loved her dogs, as they were her favorite companions and always by her side.
She was sassy, a free spirit and stubborn, silly, in a way selfless and strong. She would have given you the shirt off her back, though there may have been strings attached, or complaints, at the end of the day, she would have done anything for anyone. The bond that she had with her brother and sister was unbreakable, their love for each other ran deep. Often misunderstood, she was outspoken, yet quiet.
In a loved one’s words, she may have been 4'11 but her mouth was 5'10.
Valerie had 3 daughters that she loved the best way she knew how.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Penny Pinner Simpson, Dana Duke Whitworth (Jason), and Wendy Duke Marable (Brian); sister, Shelia Parker; four grandchildren, Connor, Grayson, JD, and Sarah Kate. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Harmon, her parents, Louise Arnold and Hayse Nelson; and brother; Hayse Nelson, Jr.
Visitation will be held at Ray Nowell Funeral Home in Senatobia, MS, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 11:00 AM-12:00 noon. Funeral services will immediately follow in the chapel at Ray Nowell Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. Graveside service and interment will be held at Longtown Cemetery in Crenshaw, MS. Memorial contributions may be made to Foundry Church, 619 US-51, Winona, MS 38967.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Romans 15:13
Ray Nowell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Duke family during this time of sadness.
She loved thrift shopping, dumpster diving in her younger years and the outdoors. She loved to ride motorcycles, camping and fishing. It was always the thrill of the catch. She also loved her dogs, as they were her favorite companions and always by her side.
She was sassy, a free spirit and stubborn, silly, in a way selfless and strong. She would have given you the shirt off her back, though there may have been strings attached, or complaints, at the end of the day, she would have done anything for anyone. The bond that she had with her brother and sister was unbreakable, their love for each other ran deep. Often misunderstood, she was outspoken, yet quiet.
In a loved one’s words, she may have been 4'11 but her mouth was 5'10.
Valerie had 3 daughters that she loved the best way she knew how.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters; Penny Pinner Simpson, Dana Duke Whitworth (Jason), and Wendy Duke Marable (Brian); sister, Shelia Parker; four grandchildren, Connor, Grayson, JD, and Sarah Kate. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Harmon, her parents, Louise Arnold and Hayse Nelson; and brother; Hayse Nelson, Jr.
Visitation will be held at Ray Nowell Funeral Home in Senatobia, MS, on Thursday, December 28, 2023, from 11:00 AM-12:00 noon. Funeral services will immediately follow in the chapel at Ray Nowell Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. Graveside service and interment will be held at Longtown Cemetery in Crenshaw, MS. Memorial contributions may be made to Foundry Church, 619 US-51, Winona, MS 38967.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."
Romans 15:13
Ray Nowell Funeral Home is honored to serve the Duke family during this time of sadness.