Cora L. Duke was born December 28, 1935 to James Frank and Rosa Lee Duke in Lexington, Ky. She later married Charles G. Warford, who preceded her in death.
Cora attended New Miami Elementary school. Although she didn’t complete high school it was her lifelong dream to attend college. At the age of 67, Cora enrolled in college courses at Columbus State University.
She left Cleveland in 1990, to embark on a journey and decided to make Jacksonville, Florida her new home. For 10 years she worked at Hampton Inn as the housekeeping supervisor where she retired in 2000. After retirement, she decided to move to Georgia to be closer to her daughters. In 2003, Cora decided to return to Cincinnati, where she lived until her death.
While residing in Cincinnati, she became the recreational coordinator at beechwood senior living home. Shortly after, she was sworn in as the President of the President CMHA senior living home.
In Cora’s spare time, she enjoyed reading, writing, word games and puzzles. Reading was her passion and her favorite book was the Bible.
Cora never met a stranger. She always had the heart of a servant and always lended a hand to both those who did and didn’t need. She poured a lot of love and wisdom into those who were in her life and left an Impression that will forever be in the hearts of all who came in contact with her. On October 13, 2013, Cora entered into her eternal rest and will be tremendously missed.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Eric Barnes (Bernice) and Ronald Barnes of Somerset, KY. Jeffery Duke of Cincinnati, OH, Carmita Duke and Tracy Duke Arnold of Columbus, GA. Clifford Bailey, Brian Warford and Tina Marie Duke preceded her in death.
Eight Sisters, Mary Hyde, Rosa Strayhorn, Frances White (Harold), Lavern Gordon (Denny), Jessie Mae Mcday, Jessie Lee McDay, Priscilla Mann (Tony), Ella Richardson (Milton), Marie McDay, Barbara McDay. Joseph Duke, James Duke Jr, George Duke, Elsie McDay and Nancy Duke preceded her in death.
Seventeen Grandchildren, Christopher, Ladonna, Jeffery II, Alex, Shannon, Justin, Enrika, Tiffany, Jeisherie, La’Cori, Re’Shae, Jewelyn, Jeneva, Jordan, Isaiah, Japheth, Michael “PJ”, and Diamond. Eight Great Grandchildren Trinae, Ryan, Brooklyn, Lea, Asharri, Autumn Grace, Trinity and MeAshia. Her granddaughter, Farrah Rose preceded her in death.
A special son, Darryl Cole, A special daughter, Veronica Hall (Darian).
Vistiation will be held Friday October 18, 2013 after 6pm at the Friendship Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights, OH.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday October 19, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clifton Church of Christ in Cinn. OH.
Burial will be in the Landmark Cemetery in Cinn. OH.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Richard D. New, Director.