Obituary of Lawrence Julien Duke

Lawrence Julien Duke was born in Delaford, Tobago in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on January 4, 1940 to Louisa McEachnie and Vivian Duke. As a young man, Lawrence traveled the world as a merchant seaman; transporting bauxite and aluminum products for Alcoa (Carenage, Trinidad and Tobago). In the early 1960s, he chose to settle in New York City; working as a machinist and marina dock hand. It was in the early 1970s that his handyman skills led to employment at Kingsbridge Heights Nursing Home (Bronx, New York) as a licensed maintenance engineer, where he would remain until retiring in 1991. During this time, he met and married Millicent "Millie" E. Hobson. Together they raised their three children; Necil, WandaMarie M. and Lawrence, II in the Bronx. In 1991, Lawrence and Millie decided to leave New York and spend their later years living in Powhatan, Virginia. Lawrence and Millie quickly became a part of the Powhatan community. They resided in a neighborhood in which his neighbors were more like extended family than friends. For a number of years Lawrence worked at Powhatan Pump and Plumbing, where he made a host of friends as he served the county. After 29 years of marriage, Millie transitioned from this life into eternal rest on March 7, 1997. In 2003, love found Lawrence once again, in the person of Valerie Hairston (Martinsville, VA). The two united in Holy Matrimony on July 16, 2005. During their marriage, Lawrence and Valerie devoted themselves to each other, while taking great joy in watching their grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up. Lawrence attended Mt. Zion regularly as a faithful member since 1998. He loved the Lord and trusted Him with whatever His Will was for his life. He could often be heard saying, "if the Lord's willing"; giving no thought or question to what the next day would bring. On Wednesday, March 16, 2016, God in His infinite wisdom, chose to peacefully call Lawrence home. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louisa and Vivian; and his eldest brother, Clovis Duke. "Papa" as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, leaves to cherish his memory and carry forth his legacy, his devoted wife, Valerie Hairston Duke; five children – Necil Oliver (James), WandaMarie M. Duke, Lawrence J. Duke, II, Michael Deshazo, Jr. (Dorian) and Christopher Deshazo (Tasha); eight grandchildren – Shavonne Fincher, Navonne Morgan (Damian), Aisiah Duke, Thyler Coleman, Tabytha Coleman, Julien Duke, Christopher Deshazo, Jr., Cassi E.R. Harrison and soon to enter this life, Alexander Deshazo; four great-grandchildren – Isaiah, Maya, Isaac, and Jacelle. He leaves behind five sisters and three brothers – L. Adora McEachnie, Gloria Orr Edwards (Cyril), Juliet Jenny Orr (Ramsey), Cislyn Wilson (Kenny), Shirley Duke; Junior Orr, Clifford Orr, and Edward Duke; two sisters-in-law – Gladys Duke (Clovis) and Rosemary Jasper (Cecil); three brothers-in-law – Larry Hairston (Mary), Michael Hairston (Gail) and Kevin Hairston; a dear cousin – Marjorie Jardin (Geoffrey) and a host cousin, nieces, nephews, loving and devoted family and friends.