Doris Nadine Knight Duke

Doris Nadine Knight Duke, 92, of Statesville, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026.

Born August 29, 1934, Doris grew up in Tradesville, South Carolina. Legally blind throughout her life, she attended a school for the blind where she learned to read Braille. She was married to George Duke Sr. for 26 years, and together they raised two sons, Dean and George.

Doris was a longtime member of The Salvation Army church and was involved with the Lions Club and Jolly 60s Club. She enjoyed trips to the Outer Banks, fishing from the piers, watching reality television, and spending time with her family.

Doris was known for her big personality and for always speaking her mind. She also had a soft spot for the stray cats around her home, especially Susie Q, Garfield, and Lulu, despite frequently insisting they were a nuisance.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Annie May Knight and Rolee Knight; her husband, George Duke Sr.; her sister, Dixie Montgomery; and her brother, Jerry Dennis Knight aka Buster.

She is survived by her sons, George Duke (Teresa) and Dean Duke (Rita); granddaughters, Stephanie (Kyle) and Megan (Ethan); great-grandsons, Austin (Karlie) and Abel; and sisters, Iris Blackmon and Frances Lloyd; as well as several nieces and nephews and close friend, Diane Staples, who supported her to the end.

To her family, she was Gran. She will be remembered for her unmistakable personality, her love for her family, and the many memories she leaves behind.

The family will visit with family and friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 15 at Troutman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 16, in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Parks officiating. Burial will follow in Iredell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, give.salvationarmyusa.org, or to the West Iredell Lions Club, https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate.

Arrangements for Doris Duke are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.