Joyce Phalya Duke nee’ Ellison passed peacefully November 18, 2022 at 96 years of age. She lived a full and wonderful life filled with family, friends and adventure. Joyce was born toGordon Elmer Ellison and Violet Love (Coleman, Ellison) Skladd
on May 14,1926 in Toledo ,Ohio. She cherished her grandmother Delia (Talent, Ellison) Saville and her many Toledo Aunts andUncles.
Joyce moved to Detroit, MI when very young and was raised with her brother Eugene by her mother and step father Harry Skladd. Joyce met the love of her life George A Duke Jr at Redford High School of Detroit, Michigan and they married at 17
making their home in the Farmington-West Bloomfield area. They raised five children; George A Duke III, Dean D Duke, Kevin K Duke, Linda L (Duke,Tache) Jelinek and James K Duke, whilebuilding a successful Realty and Building Development business in the Farmington, Mi area. She was always proud of making and maintaining beautiful homes for her family. In1972 they moved toCharlevoix, MI and loved being on or in the lakes in summer, skiing and snowmobiling in winter and partying with friends all year round. Two of their children, Linda and James and three of her grandchildren Corey, Ryan and Travis Tache graduated from Charlevoix High. Joyce and George eventually becamesnowbirds, enjoying warm winters in North Palm Beach, FL. They enjoyed 50+ wonderful married years as best friends and partners.
Joyce loved fashion, travel, movies, meeting people, dancing, boating and University of Michigan football. She joined many social and service groups and attended countless luncheons and meetings and fundraisers supporting worthy causes throughout her life. After George passed in 1994 she continued to enjoy traveling, visiting kids and grandkids, and splitting her time between Michigan and Florida where she had many friends. Her final residence was Aberdeen Heights Senior Living Memory Care in Kirkwood, MO near her daughters family.
Joyce was pre-deceased by husband George, son James, daughter-in-law Marie Gaston, brother Gene and her in laws Bruce and Peg Duke and Thomas and Gail Duke. Surviving are four children, nine grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, sister-in-law Rebecca Ellison and many beloved Nieces and Nephews and their families. She also leaves Dorothy Lawson and Carol Webb, lifelong and treasured friends.The family thanks Aberdeen Heights Senior Living and Memory Care for their compassionate care of Joyce during her residency. Internment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Farmington, MI. No services are planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to: The Charlevoix County Community Foundation, attn: ‘Jelinek Northstar Fund’ PO Box 718, East Jordan,MI 49727 University of Michigan MEDICAL RESEARCH or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be posted to: www.Kutisfuneralhomes.com www.thayer-rock.com or mailed to: 204 Gilbert St., Kirkwood, MO 63122.