Jesup, Ga.

Velma Wells Dukes passed away on November 7, 2020, after a short battle with cancer. Graduating as Valedictorian of her high school class at the age of 15, her brilliance served her the rest of her life. She married Wayne County native David B. Dukes on April 1, 1955, and dedicated her life to the service of her family and her church. After 18 years, she retired as the Branch Manager and Vice President of Federal Land Bank and Farm Credit of Jesup, GA. Following her retirement, she began working as the financial secretary of First Baptist Church in Jesup, where she served in this role for over 31 years. Her home became a welcoming beacon of warmth and love as she hosted innumerable events and fed the youth of First Baptist Church for multiple generations. She is fondly remembered as a loving mother and grandmother to all who knew her.

The child of D.E. and Leona Wells, she is preceded by her husband, David B Dukes, her grandson Bennett Andrew Voyles Jr., and her sons-in-law, Bennet Andrew Voyles Sr. and Johnny Shuman.

She is survived by her children: Dedra Shuman of Swainsboro, David B. (Lynn) Dukes Jr. of Jesup, Denise Voyles of Jesup, and Lynn (Danny) Witt of Lake City, Fla; her grandchildren, Deanna (Chris) Barlow, J.R. (Megan) Shuman, David B. (Rochelle) Dukes III, Ashley Voyles, Caitlyn Witt, Stephanie(Tommy) Brown, and Stacie (Rodney) Sanders; her great-children, Dukes, Wells, and Alta Barlow, Revere and Dahlia Dukes, Eleanor Shuman, Morgan (Max) Raniero, Tegan and Cameron George, and T.J. Brown; great-great grandchild, Riley Raniero; brother, Leo (Libby) Wells of St. Mary's; several beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, November 9, 2020, at Jesup First Baptist Church with Dr. Mike VonMoss and Rev. Earl Barron officiating. Private family interment will follow in the Priester Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Kenny Poppell, Gene Wells, Carl Rozier, Steven Smith, Ray Howard, Reggie Beasley, Andy Beaver, and Doug Dukes, Jr.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jesup First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1115, Jesup, GA 31598.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.