Evelyn Gafford Duke Obituary

Published 4:20 pm Monday, June 2, 2025

Evelyn Gafford Duke, a resident of Greenville, formerly of Brewton, passed away on Friday, May 30, at the age of 88. Evelyn was born on Dec. 15, 1936, to her parents William Zed Gafford Sr. and Emma Lee McIntyre Gafford of Greenville. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, beginning at 11 a.m. at Walnut Street Church of Christ with Brother Charles Box officiating and Dunklin Funeral Home directing. Burial will follow at Sunrise Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Carl Wayne Duke, her parents William Zed Gafford Sr. and Emma Lee McIntyre Gafford, her brother William Zed Gafford Jr. and son-in-law Warren Ronald Shaver. 

Evelyn is survived by her two children, Karen Shaver and Lori (Chris) Jordan; her sister, Helen (Melvin) Russell; three grandchildren, Gaston Bozeman, Kelsey Woodard and Kinley Woodard and two step-grandchildren, Kristian Jordan and Taylor Jordan, along with many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. 

Evelyn was a devoted Christian whose faith was a guiding force throughout her life. She was a long-time, faithful member of Walnut Street Church of Christ, where she found strength, purpose, and community. In her later years, Evelyn was a cherished resident at Country Place Senior Living. She formed close bonds with fellow residents and staff, participating enthusiastically in daily activities. She especially enjoyed playing dominoes, bingo and other games that brought people together. 

Her warm personality and kind spirit made her a beloved figure within the community. Director Alaina Norman and the entire staff held her in high regard, as did many of the residents who considered her a dear friend. Above all, Evelyn treasured the time spent with her family. Whether sharing stories, laughter or quiet moments, those connections brought her immense joy. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family welcomes flowers as a gesture of sympathy. Flowers may be sent to: 8018 Mobile Road, Greenville, Alabama 36037. Alternatively, donations may be made in Evelyn’s memory to Country Place Senior Living in Greenville with contributions directed specifically toward resident activities. These donations will help support the games, events, and social gatherings that brought Evelyn and her fellow residents so much joy.

For online condolences, please visit www.dunklinfh.com.