Aundrey Gertrude Dukes Magazine

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THE BROOK REPORTER Celebrating Lives of Ordinary People, in Ordinary Places having …………………… EXTRAORDINARY INFLUENCE Volume 1, Issue No 3 A Magazine about Widows and Women _____________________________________________________________________________ A Faithful & Loving Woman, Wife & Mother Mastering Time Through Wisdom & Love ~Preaching and Teaching is Her Calling~ ~Loving & Mothering is her Nature~ Honoring Mrs. Gertrude Dukes A Little Known Person, In a Little Known Place, Making a Known Difference…….. ~~Loving, Teaching, Mentoring, Laughing~~

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Magazine Brook Reporter Mrs. Gertrude Dukes , from Alabama

Transcript of Aundrey Gertrude Dukes Magazine

  • THE BROOK REPORTER

    Celebrating Lives of Ordinary People, in Ordinary Places having

    EXTRAORDINARY INFLUENCE Volume 1, Issue No 3

    A Magazine about Widows and Women _____________________________________________________________________________

    A Faithful & Loving Woman, Wife & Mother

    Mastering Time

    Through Wisdom & Love

    ~Preaching and Teaching is Her Calling~

    ~Loving & Mothering is her Nature~

    Honoring Mrs. Gertrude Dukes

    A Little Known Person, In a Little Known Place, Making a Known Difference..

    ~~Loving, Teaching, Mentoring, Laughing~~

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    Honoring a Woman of Godly Faithfulness & Love...

    She Heeded the Call of Her Heavenly Master,

    And Became a Pastor.

    She Served Faithfully.

    She has paved many trails,

    To be followed by females and males.

    There Is A Way That Seems Right Unto A

    Man, But In The End, There Are The Ways

    Of Death. Proverbs 14:12

    She taught the way of Righteousness.

    Proverbs 15:19- but the way of the righteous is

    made plain.

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    Gertrude Dukes

    An Anchor, Guide, and Leader

    Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother,

    We Love You!

    2013

    Gertrude is A Virtuous Woman.. Proverbs 31:29

    Many Daughters Have Done Virtuously, But Thou Excellest Them All.

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    Our Mother

    We cant describe her

    because words are

    inadequate.

    We cant name her

    because a name cant tell

    her worth.

    We can praise her because she means the world to us.

    We LOVE her because she is Our Mother.

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    Gertrude Dukes Legacy of Love

    Her Husband:

    Johnny Dukes, Sr. (Deceased)

    Her Children:

    Johnny Dukes, Jr. (Deceased)

    Josephine Dukes (Carstarphen) (Percy)

    Norman Ray Dukes (Barbara)

    Geraldine Dukes (Welch) (Henry Lee)

    Clevon Dukes (Anita)

    Gloria Dukes (Kid) (John)

    Verdell Dukes (Davis) (Joe)

    Mary Dukes (Westry) (Frank)

    Host of Grand Children and Great Grand Children

    Gertrude said at her 80th

    Birthday Celebration: Im just so Happy,

    Happy, Happy to make this 80th

    birthday. If I try to put it in words I would find myself

    repeating myself. Ill just say Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I love all of you. I

    got to Love you. Jesus loved us all didnt he? Whether we were right or whether we were

    wrong. We got to love one another. The Word of God says love not in word but in deed.

    Its been some deeds done here today and I thank you. I hardly have words to say but I

    say one thing, wherever you go, whatever you do, pray for me because Im trying to

    make it. I believe that by the help of God, Im gonna make it. There is nothing too hard

    for God. When it gets too hard for us, its just right for God. Mans extremities are

    Gods opportunities. (May 10, 2008)

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    Memories FromYour 80th

    How has Gertrude influenced you? They said...

    GertrudeYou have influenced my life by coming to

    church and saying that we need to be in Sunday

    School and Bible Lesson. Mary McCoy

    GertrudeYou have influenced my life by teaching me to be on time for

    church and to work in the church and the community. And teaching me to be

    a blessing to people and to be faithful in all things. Love You! No Name

    Gertrude...Down through the years we have been friends. We have never had

    an argument or anything but love for one another. Bernice Hudson

    Gertrude...You influenced my life by the way you live and how you enjoy

    serving the Lord. I want to pattern my life to be just like you. Rosie Stabler

    GertrudeShe is my Aunt, the one I love so much. She loves everybody. She lives a Christian Life. She is like a mother to me. Since my mother has been

    gone she has been there. She tells me how Good God is! Arolinia King

    Grandma you have been a very influential person in my life by the way you love everyone no matter what their attitude or lifestyle is and by your love

    and strong belief in God. I always get on my knees at night and pray that

    you live many more years because strong black females like yourself are

    needed today. I love you Grandma to this day and will continue to love you

    everyday and every time I see or talk to you. J.P. Davis

    Gertrude you have influenced my life by walking the walk and not just

    talking the talk. Debra McCaskill

    Aunt you have been a very big influence in my life. You have been an

    Aunt, a second mother, and a big help to me in my marriage. By talking to

    you about many things in life, I think that I can make it. Aunt, I look back

    over my life with you in it, I can say, Aunt, we came a long way by the Grace

    of God. I love you Aunt. Madeline Faye

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    Son, Clevon Dukes and

    others celebrated your

    80th birthday,

    May 10, 2008.

    Son Norman

    Ray Dukes and

    others

    celebrated your

    80th birthday,

    May 10, 2008

    A Good Friend celebrated your 80th birthday, May 10, 2008

    Mrs. Irene Johns,

    Life Long Friend

    Lower Peach Tree, Alabama

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    Reverend Clevon Dukes, Son

    My Mother is just a Jewel. Often times when Im speaking with

    her, she drops those great nuggets that are so significant. I said

    to her one time, Mom, how are you doing? She said, Son Im

    just helping the Lord take care of me. She said, God is not going

    to do for me what I can do for myself. He will do those things I

    cant do. He wants me to help him take care of me. That is so

    true.

    I was telling her once about a senior mother in my church that

    had Alzheimers. Alzheimers had affected her mind. If I stood in

    front of her one minute she would in a minute or so say how are

    you doing thinking she had not spoken to me in a while. She

    didnt miss bible study or Sunday School. If I say a chapter and

    verse, she could quote the scripture. I told Mom one day about her because I pondered on that since she

    could so easily forget other things. Mom said, son, the scripture is not in her mind its in her heart. That

    blessed me and my whole congregation when I shared that great revelation. She hid the Word of God in

    her heart so Alzheimers cant affect it. Thats the kind of Wisdom I get from my Mom. I continue to draw

    from that well and I thank God for her. I Love You Dearly Mom.

    Space is Reserved to add words about Mrs. Gertrude Dukes from other children, grand children, great

    grandchildren and close friends.

    Clevon Dukes is your family contact. You can get information to him and he will forward to the publisher.

    A final copy of this magazine can then include your words of appreciation to Mrs. Gertrude Dukes.

    Also you can contact the publisher directly with your input.

    Aundrey Carlton Wilkins.

    2580 Kearney Street, Denver, Co 80207.

    Email: [email protected]; call 303-399-2305

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    ------Mother Dukes------

    ------Wishing you a Happy Birthday-----

    The Carlton Family

    Chonna; Reseian; Ethel; Sandra;James;Aundrey;Vivian; Joyce

    ,Mother Dukes is Life, Sunshine & Beauty

    Wishing You Many More Celebrations

    May 10, 2013

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    Aundrey Wilkins

    and

    Gertrude Dukes

    Talk About Life

    Q. Tell me about your life as a Minister of God. Whats the name of your church? What

    are some of the many responsibilities you have held over your life?

    A. My church is All Saints Holiness Church. I have been Assistant Pastor, Elder,

    President of the Mothers Board, President of the Choir, Superintendent of Sunday

    School, Eastern Star, and Associate Matron of Eastern Star. I also was part of the

    Mothers Band Bible Study, and the Prayer Band.

    Q. I remember your husband, Mr. Johnny Dukes. How long were you all married?

    A. I got married September 3, 1944. I was married for 47 years. I am the mother of

    eight children, and I raised nine. I raised Tiffany, my daughter Glorias daughter.

    Aundrey: We will now just talk about your life and your beliefs. Thank you for

    allowing me to interview you. I am doing this because I was shown in a dream that I was

    to highlight widows and their impact in the world in a magazine. So I want to hear how

    God has walked with you as a widow. Anything you want to share will be great.

    Gertrude: Well I would like to let people know they are never alone. Youre never

    at a point where God is not using you. Sometimes our elderly and widows will wear

    themselves out serving so much. I had to let go of some of the things I used to do. But I

    know God still uses me. I still pray and try to encourage others.

    Aundrey: I know you pray. I know my mom prayed a lot. I had a dream once that

    showed me there were towns in Alabama, Lower Peach Tree, and other places that were

    saved from bombs and destruction because of Widows prayers, including my mothers.

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    Gertrude: Yes. Prayer gets the job done. He said call on him in time of trouble and I

    will hear. Sometimes we have to wait. The bible says they that wait on the Lord will

    renew their strength. David said he waited on the Lord. After David waited, the Lord

    heard him. We cant hurry God. He is not going to come all the time quick. He knows

    when he needs to come quick and when we need to suffer a while before he comes. But

    he is coming. I dont have any doubt in my mind, whatsoever. Ive tried him too many

    times baby. He didnt come all the time. So many times I had to go through. One time I

    was going through and I called Him in question. He said, Gertrude, I heard you. But this

    is something you got to go through and when you get through you can tell someone else

    how to go through. If I hadnt gone through it how could I tell you about going through?

    So many things we have to go through in order to be able to tell someone else how to

    go through so somebody can be a living witness. If I hadnt waited on the Lord and let

    Him take me through, then I couldnt tell anybody else what God will do. When you

    have experienced Him you can tell somebody else. Im a living witness God is good.

    He is an on time God. You got to wait sometime. Though he Tarry, we just gotta wait.

    When we wait, well be able to mount up and be able to make it.

    Things are coming our way. Thats why he says in the Bible think it not strange

    about the fiery things which are to try you. These things are to try us. God knows

    me. But Gertrude doesnt know me. But God know me. He let these things come my

    way so Ill know what God will do. Im a living a witness, God is there all the time.

    Just keep trusting and wait on him. He that trust in God shall be at Mt Zion. Then he says

    cast all your cares upon him. You may have to suffer but Got yet loves you. I was

    thinking this morning about what all God will do for us and what he went through for us.

    Think about all the beating and what ever they did to him. It was for us and not himself.

    I appreciate Him too for what he has done for me. God has brought me thru some things.

    I dont regret it. Im glad. I can tell someone else now. You dont have to take nobody

    elses word for it, because youll know for yourself.

    Aundrey: My younger sister said something similar to that today. She said now that she

    is going through losing our mother, she has a different perspective when others lose their

    mother.

    Gertrude: Yes, I have lost a mother, father, son, grandchildren, brothers, sisters. I know

    what its about. God took me through. I have to tell him sometimes, Lord its Hard

    but its Fair. (Laughing) .And you got to take me through. When Jesus went

    through, wasnt it hard on him? But he went through. The nails in his hand and feet

    how that must have hurt. He did it for the love he had for us. But he turns around and

    tells us that we got to love one another. We can go around hating one another but you

    wont be saved by Jesus. He says love even your enemy. You know its going to take the

    love of God in your heart to love and feed your enemy and you know thats your enemy

    too! You wont do it without the love of God. I thank God for his love.

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    Aundrey: What were some of the challenges being a church leader?

    Gertrude: It was hard to get folks to come to Sunday School & church on time. Why

    folks wont come on time? Im a believer that if they say 10 oclock, be there on time.

    My training was to be on time even when we had to walk a long way. I was raised near

    the Old Peach Tree School and we walked to Mt Mariah Church and were always on

    time.

    Aundrey: Yes, we walked all the way to Pleasant View Church. We used to go piece

    of the way with our cousin. If our cousin Geraldine went home with us, when time to go

    home we would walk part of the way to her home. Then she would walk us part of the

    way back home. (both laughing)

    Gertrude: (Laughing) Those were good days. We used to walk piece of the way with

    our family and friends too. People dont want to walk and be together like families used

    to be. Do you want some fruit, an apple or orange?

    Aundrey: No. I dont want anything but to hear you talk.

    Gertude: Your mom and I would always call one another. I was a grade ahead of your

    mom. We kept each other lifted up. We need each other at all times.

    Aundrey: Mom told me that one of your sisters was her best friend. Recently Ive been

    learning about your family. I didnt know your relations to the Daviss that live near us

    until a few years ago.

    Gertrude: Its good to know your family and be together. But do you know my

    children shocked me when they surprised me for my 75th

    birthday. I told them just come

    see me and say Thank you to God for letting me see the birthday but dont surprise me

    again because it is too much on me and my heart. I appreciate that they want to celebrate

    my birthday though.

    Aundrey: Mom didnt like for us to surprise her either. It was hard to surprise her too.

    Someone always let the cat out the bag. You remember Lucy Pearl telling how she gave

    it away one time when we were trying to surprise mom (both laughing). I know its

    more for the children too when we celebrate our parents. Children that love their parents

    want to honor them at any opportunity.

    Gertrude: For my part, give me a few greens and bread and thatll be enough for me.

    (Laughing). But I appreciate the children doing what they do for me.

    Aundrey: I say, out of all you do, put your focus on just spending time with your loved

    one. We would be so busy preparing and cleaning when we came home to see mom. A

    few years ago I took off work for 3 weeks and came home- just me and my son - and

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    spent time with Mom. It was the best time ever. We sat on the porch. Visited relatives.

    Picked greens. Fed the cows. Cooking has never been my favorite. So I loved just

    sitting around and being with Mom.

    Gertrude: I love cooking. Im not able to do much of it now but I love it.

    Aundrey: I never loved cooking. Mom would say sit down and just spend time together.

    Rather than so much time on preparing the party, food, etc. Sometimes you just ought to

    sit and listen=== hear your moms heart. She would tell me things and Id have to say I

    didnt know that happened to you. I learned I got many of my ways from her that I

    didnt know she had. Songs she liked. Food she liked (nuts). I liked the same things.

    Gertrude: (Laughing).. My daughter Geraldine said she didnt want to be like me

    because I let folks do me any kind of way. (both laughing). Now after she got grown she

    understood more. There is an old saying if you cant take it you cant make it. In

    this Christian life you going to take some things. Some things you dont want to

    take you got to take to be Christ like. Christ didnt want to take all those bruises he

    took. There are so many things that if we could hinder our self from taking we would.

    Christ could have hindered himself from taking what he took but he didnt. He took it for

    you, me, and all of us. That was the love he had for us. Thats why he tells us that by

    this will men know that you are my disciples because you have love one for another.

    Aundrey: What ever mom wanted to do I would usually stand with her when others

    may have thought she was too kind. We saw her be kind even to people who had done

    her wrong.

    Gertrude: Its good to do good. The bible tells us to cast thy bread upon water and in

    many days it will come back. What you sow you reap. Sow bountifully, reap

    bountifully. Through it all we have to tell God thank you.

    Quotes by Gertrude:

    Sometimes I Tell God Its Hard, But since You Permitted It, I Know Its Fair.

    Old Age Is Honorable, But It Can Be Inconvenient.

    There Is No Cure For Old Age.

    THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

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    Sharing Gods Love for Widows:

    Mrs. Gertrude Dukes (mother) I hope

    you enjoy this tribute to your life. You

    have touched many lives making them

    better and bearable when things seemed

    hopeless. May your life deeds tontinue to

    float on the many waters where you have

    cast them and reach the hearts and homes

    of many people to come through time upon

    this earth.

    You are a great mother, friend, minister, and servant of God. I can

    hear God already saying to you, Well Done my Good and

    Faithful Servant, Gertrude. I love you. You have served me

    faithfully to the end.

    Publisher:

    A Call to Love Ministries,

    Aundrey CarltonWilkins (Anna), Founder/President

    The magazine is intended to document nuggets of wisdom from widows. Using their own nuggets from

    life, we celebrate their lives by highlighting who they are as an individual, and things they have done in

    life. We can then preserve their legacy for generations.

    1 King 17:9 Arise, get thee to Zarephath, which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have

    commanded a widow woman there to sustain thee.

    Contact Information: [email protected] email; Phone: 303-399-2305 Brook Reporter