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Deborah Duke Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
DUKE, Deborah DEBORAH CALLOWAY DUKE Deborah Calloway Duke (aka; Deborah Duke, Deborah Callaway Duke) was born Thursday, October 26, 1950 to the Late Mr. Winston H. Calloway and Mrs. Mattie M. Calloway in Albany, GA, where her mother inspired her love for drama. She was raised in Atlanta, GA, where she finished Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and she received her first formal teacher drama teacher, her Grand Aunt Hattie. At Booker T. Washington HS, she was president of the drama club. After graduating, she attended Xavier University in New Orleans for Speech and drama; then attended Georgia State University. After becoming a wife and mother, she worked and continued to hone her skills as a professional actor doing local theatre. Since 1987, she participated in film, stage, voice-overs and one-one one acting coach. Deborah transitioned Wednesday, October 12, 2010 suddenly. She leaves to cherish her memory: Mattie M. Calloway, Mother; Mr. & Mrs. Andre Oliphant (DeShanna Duke), Daughter; Mary "Kitty" Dillard-Tally, Life-partner, William E. Calloway, Sr., Brother, Winston H. Calloway II., Brother: Melvin Scott III and Dezyer Oliphant, grandsons; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 3 pm in our Cascade Chapel. Family will receive friends starting at 2 pm at Murray Brothers Cascade Chapel, 1199 Utoy Springs Rd. SW (Corner of Cascade Rd. near I-285) 404-349-3000 mbfh.com
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Jen Harper
October 13, 2024
Deb, I always keep you with me. Just this week I recounted to friends what you always instructed me to do: "Jen, always listen to your spirit! It´ll never lead you wrong!"
Shanna Woods
October 13, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Rest on Ms. Duke. "Life is but a dream..."
E Crabb Moon
June 26, 2020
Just thinking about Deborah and missing her so much. I miss your warmth and your loving kindness.
You are always in my heart sweet Deborah.
Melanie Maxwell
October 8, 2017
Thank you for all the memories and mentoring. You are missed.
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Tiffany Stanley Skipper
July 27, 2011
Duke I just found out about Momma Deb I'm so sorry that I was not there I saw her and Kit a few years ago. I thought about all the good times that we had. I Love You, Momma Deb
DeShanna Duke-Oliphant
June 25, 2011
Hi Ma I miss talking to you I miss getting those morning texts you are truly my "ANGEL"
Shanna Woods
June 23, 2011
I only encountered Mrs. Duke once. She walked into my place of employment to pick up her grandson and as I walked by she reached out and stopped me. She placed her hands on my shoulders and all the stress I had been carrying disappeared instantly. She then turned me around and said, "I love you and there's nothing you can do about it!"
I have often thought of her over the years. It wasn't until after I had left that place that I found out who she was. She has definitely helped me to understand the importance of first impressions...sometimes that's the only one you get.
My deepest condolences to her family.
Willie M. Smith, II
April 9, 2011
I just learned of her passing on yesterday. Bro. Doug Hodge told me. I was floored. She was a vital part of coaching me acting skills from her vast experience. I'll miss her but I know she'll be with me in spirit everytime I perform. Thank you Deb.
Cat Mayville
April 6, 2011
Dukey...I talk about you all the time. That has/will never change. I always smile and I know you smile with me. Your spirit has always been with me. I am strong because you believe in me and helped me believe in myself. I am also strong because you and Kitty gave me the distinct honor of calling me your 'sister'...there isn't a song out there I can't shake my booty to and I KNOW you agree. So, let's just keep this party going. In time, as always, we will share a coordinate in this universe...perhaps pass the same glass around to share. But I feel you, as always, in my heart...raise your glass, angel. It is spring and it is time to party. I love you.
Willie M. Smith, II
April 5, 2011
I just learned of her passing on yesterday. Bro. Doug Hodge told me. I was floored. She was a vital part of coaching me acting skills from her vast experience. I'll miss her but I know she'll be with me in spirit everytime I perform. Thank you Deb.
DeShanna Duke-Oliphant
January 15, 2011
U are truly missed mommie.... it's so hard being, living, breathing without u... U will FOREVER BE MISSED A TRUE ANGEL..... PEACE PEACE LOVE LOVE... Your Daughter
November 10, 2010
I just learned of her passing at this year's Suzi Bass Awards. This was truly a great loss. I ran into Deborah at the opening of "Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery" and was treated to her always perpetual good humor. My condolences to her family. She will be remembered always. Leslye Joy Allen
Cathy Mayville
November 10, 2010
Deborah was my angel, my sister and my life coach. Thanks for the love, the guidance, the "after hours", for Kitty, for Zoink...and for the random love fests via phone calls. I love you Dukey...you will always be my angel, and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it! Kitty and family, I am praying for you. Much love, Cathy
Cathy Mayville
November 10, 2010
I just found out tonight. Deborah was my angel, my sister and my life coach. We saw little of each other the last few years. But I'd get a call from her, randomly...she wanted to read me a poem, or tell me how much I meant to her. Then always the "I love you, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it." She'll always be my angel. Kitty, and family, all I can do is pray for you and I will.
Paul Jorgensen
November 1, 2010
I had the pleasure of working closely with Deborah on a couple Theatre Productions when I lived in Atlanta. This news comes as a shock and I am deeply saddened by her passing. I send my condolences to her family and friends and will always cherish the memories of out time and work together.
Paul Jorgensen
Perth, Australia
Artist Stephens
October 27, 2010
Farewell my Little Star,I know exactly where you are. Hold on until we meet again. Love Artist....
Petal Gowie
October 25, 2010
I was just sharing Debra with a friend of mine telling her about Debra's acting career and how I thought she should contact her to take lessons. She looked her up on line while we were talking and that is how I found out that Debra had passed. I am so sorry to hear this and yet I am happy to have known her....a beautiful star has left our midst to joined all of the other stars in the heavens... to light and show the way to all others who are looking to find their self-expression while on this earth plane. Debra, I will miss you dearly... "I love you and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it". Be Blessed my sweet one. "I will see you in the light of a thousand suns. I will here in the sounds of the waves. I will know you when I come as we all will come through the doors beyond the vail".
Lehtrac Stephens
October 25, 2010
I had the pleasure of knowing Deborah since I was a little girl and she has always been a loving and caring person. My condolences got out to all of Deborah's Family and Friends. Especially to Deshannon (Deborah's daughter). I love you and miss you and may GOD always be with you.
Brenda Harris
October 21, 2010
I worked with Deborah at the Citizens Trust Bank years ago. Deborah was just Deborah. I am sorry to hear of her transition. The memories will bring you comfort and the things that she taught will have some clarity now.
My prayers are with the family. God still blesses in way we don't understand.
Shannon Jones
October 20, 2010
You always brought a bit of Sunshine into the clinic every time you came in with your saying “I love you and there is nothing you can do about it” You will be missed so much
My condolences are with the family and friends at this time. I will keep you up lifted in Prayer.
October 20, 2010
Deborah Dukes made everyone's day when she entered into our place of business. She would always ask us "has anyone told you they love you today" and before you could answer she would reply " Well I love you and there's nothing you can do about it". That meant so much to us. She will truly be missed. Our condolences to the family.
Lisa and Jeff Adler, Co-Artistic Directors
October 20, 2010
Deborah was a spirit of love, laughter and positive energy always. Funny and vibrant on stage and off. She will be deeply missed by the Adler family and everyone at Horizon Theatre Company.
Larry Davis
October 19, 2010
Words cannot express my deep feeling for this woman. Waves of warmth and love poured from her and made glad everyone around her. Everything about her was infectious: her laugh, her warmth , her love. My love and healing energy to Kitty and all of us who mourn the loss of this life force. Peace.
Christy Clark
October 19, 2010
We called her Mama Deborah or Mama Deb because her love spread out to everyone. No one will forget her declaration of "I love you and there's not a damn thing you can do about it!"
Mama Deb, we love you too!
October 19, 2010
All of us who knew Deborah at Georgia Ensemble Theatre are saddened by the sudden loss of her loveliness. My sincerest condolences to family, friends, and loved ones.
Bob Farley
Artistic Director
Jen Harper
October 19, 2010
To Deb's family: I send prayers of healing from your loss. Understanding that one can never "get over “ the loss of a spirit like Deb. But, you must find solace in knowing just how many souls were touched by her during her time with us- a time that we all feel was much too short. She was my Spiritual Sister and I have gotten so used to having her at the other end of my cell phone to laugh, play, gossip and be guided by, that I am truly lost---still reaching for the phone to call and tell her what is going on now. I need to ask, OK how do I handle this? As I write this, I hear her saying to me, “ Jen, all is as it should be”. I thank God for having been taken under her wing. I thank you, her family, for sharing her with us. Jen Harper ( JM Harper MD)
Felicia (Phil) Badie
October 19, 2010
A Candle is lit for the life of Deborah. My Love and Prayers go out to all of the family. May God's Peace be with you. I will miss Deborah with all my heart...Thanks Deb for making a difference in my life! Kitty I am here for anything you need. Bless you all!
Mary Shaw
October 19, 2010
Rise on! Love to those left here....
Kim Banta
October 19, 2010
Deborah always wore an Angel on her shoulder. She is now with the Angels she always believed in so much. Her resonant voice is echoing in Heaven, and I will miss her kind and vibrating spirit, and her "fill-a-room" presence. Her talent was as huge.
Doug Kaye
October 19, 2010
Full of passion and love for her art and her friends, you could wonder how she fit it all into that small package. But her heart was big enough to embrace us all. In emulating her we can keep her spirit alive.
October 19, 2010
To the Family of Deborah, my thoughts and prayers goes out to each of you.
With Deepest Sympathy
Addie Hixon Brooks
B.T.W Class of '68
Theresa Hightower
October 19, 2010
My prayer for the family, friends and loved ones of Deborah are that the LIGHT, LOVE, PEACE, and COMFORT of God surround you, and hold you during this time and in the days to come. Deborah Duke was a "Sweet Sweet Spirit" who gave love, compassion, knowledge, understanding and acceptance, to everyone she met. Her Spirit IS alive for a Spirit so bright never dies!! God Bless you and keep you, and cause His face to shine upon you and keep you!!
Love,
Theresa Hightower
Theresa O'Shea
October 19, 2010
Although small in stature, her talent was enormous, and her loving spirit was immeasurable. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Stanley Raper
October 19, 2010
Deborah, thanks for all the smiles and joy. Who didn't know you as the Heart of the School (BTW 6T8). As an actor, you delivered to the 9th. You never changed; You always was You. Keep'em Smiling in Heaven.
Saundra Hunter
October 19, 2010
Always a pleasant experience seeing Deborah Duke. I will miss her smiles and her back in the day stories when I would see her at local events. She could charm her way into any room. She is sitting in the Big Room now working the crowds. I will continue to keep Kitty and the family in pryer.
Kelly Kelly
October 19, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Deborah's Family & Friends. I had the pleasure of representing Deborah for many years. She always brought a smile and words of wisdom every time she came into the office. Sorry I won't be able to make her celebration of life today. She will be truly missed.
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1199 Utoy Springs Rd, SW , Atlanta, GA 30331
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