Janie Henry Duke

Janie Henry Duke, 69, passed away on July 19, 2024, in Cleveland, MS surrounded by her family.

Janie is survived by her husband of 44 years, Edward "Bubba" Duke, Jr, her four children Edward, III and his wife, Mary Kate, of Oxford, Michie Cotton and her husband, Jason, of Cleveland, Thomas and his wife, Ashley, of Atlanta, and Nelson and girlfriend, Caroline Alderson, of Cleveland. And four wonderful grandchildren, Olivia and Edward Duke, IV of Oxford and Ann Riley and Granger Cotton of Cleveland; sister, Lucia Henry Hoover and brother-in-law Charles of Starkville and a host of nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.

Janie is preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Jane Henry, sister Marjorie Henry Orr and brother-in-law, Wayne Orr, sister-in-law Becky Duke Jolley and brother-in-law Gil Jolley and brother-in-law, Tommy Duke.

Janie, a lifelong educator and extremely talented florist, was born in Greenville, MS on December 8, 1954, to Norman McLeod Henry and Jane Michie Henry. Janie married Edward Duke, Jr of Batesville on August 4, 1979, at Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church in Cleveland.

Janie graduated from Bayou Academy in 1972 and furthered her education at Delta State University where she obtained her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Education. While at DSU, she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Upon graduation, Janie taught for several years at both St. Elizabeth's Catholic School in Clarksdale and West Bolivar Elementary in Rosedale before joining her mother and Bubba at the family business, Mistlow Gardens, where she worked tirelessly for the next 30 years. Janie's passion was always teaching and helping others which led her to return to classroom. She returned to teaching where she taught at West Bolivar, Booker T. Washington in Clarksdale, and eventually retired from Bell Academy in 2021.

When she wasn't spending her time at the flower shop or attending one of her children's many sporting events, she was an active member of Junior Auxiliary of Cleveland where she held many leadership roles. She also served several years as Kappa Delta Alumni Advisor and was a member of the Bayou Academy School Board and the Bayou Academy Patrons League. After retirement, she volunteered as a Life Member of Junior Auxiliary sharing her tremendous talents arranging flowers for Charity Balls and was always willing to lend a hand with the exceptional education classrooms and Nutcracker performance.

Janie loved spending time with her grandchildren, going to the beach, watching tennis, golf cart riding, painting, and keeping her three granddogs.

Janie's vivacious personality, kind heart, and beautiful smile will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.

Memorial donations can be made in Janie's name to Delta State University Foundation or OLV Building Fund.