Celebrating the life of . . . . . . Laura Elizabeth Atwater Dukes

Sunrise: October 2, 1935 Sunset: March 26, 2022

Graveside Service: Monday, April 4, 2022 1:30 pm

Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church

9112 Bethel Hickory Grove Church Road

Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Her Journey

Laura Elizabeth Atwater Dukes was given her angels wings on March 26, 2022, to accompany her Lord and Savior. She was born on October 2, 1935, to the late Arlena Oldham Atwater and Charlie Atwater in Orange County, North Carolina.

Laura received her formal education within the Orange County School system. Afterward she transformed her passion for cooking into her career. She secured several positions with University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she worked as a chef for several fraternities. She also worked private duty within the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area.

“Laura”, “Lea” or “Lil” as she was affectionately called by her family and friends will be remembered for her sweet demeanor. She was loving, caring and generous to all. Her passion was helping people. Everyday she would offer her services in any capacity at the Seymour Senior Citizen Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Her favorite pastime was shopping at “My Shop” (her secret for treasurers) for everyone, and cooking for family gatherings. She also had a love for cats and dogs.

Planted in her faith Laura was a lifetime member at Hickory Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She served on the Usher Board and First-Aide committee.

Laura was proceeded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Dukes, sister, Lena Paylor and two brothers, Rev. John “Bebe” Atwater and James Atwater.

She leaves to cherish fond and precious memories to her beloved son, Robert Antonio (Sherry) Dukes of Durham, NC; a grandson, Victor Darius Dukes of Durham, NC and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Humbly Submitted,

The Family