Obituary Bertha Lee Dukes was born on February 12, 1938 in Kingstree South Carolina to Roy Johnson and Daisy McFadden Johnson-Singletary (both predeceased). Bertha attended the middle/high school in Kingstree, South Carolina. Bertha married the love of her life—Jessie Theron Dukes and relocated to Rochester, New York; to this union, three children were born—Jessie Mae and Roy Dukes who preceded her in death and her surviving daughter Karen Dukes. “Bertha Lee” as family and friends would call her was the “glue” that held her entire family together. She made herself readily available to the needs of her immediate and extended family. She raised multiple members of her family inclusive of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Bertha along with her husband were diligent in ensuring that they keep the family together. In many cases, she opened her door to many young people who had left home, ensuring that they were safe, often returning them to their parents. She was an excellent cook, enjoyed visiting family members, watching wrestling matches and attending church services at the Christ Tabernacle Church. Bertha worked at Nazareth College wherein she retired after 35 years of service. She demonstrated that hard work and dedication would pave the way for a rewarding life. Bertha’s long-time desire was to relocate her family back to South Carolina. In 1997, the Lord blessed her to own a second home in Florence South Carolina, wherein she continued raising her grandchildren in addition to being able to relocate to Rochester during the summer season. In 2024 she decided to sell her home in South Carolina and return to Rochester until the Lord called her home. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of over sixty years Jessie Theron Dukes, one daughter Karen Dukes; one brother Marion (Helen) Johnson of Florence, SC; one sister Elizabeth Lightly of Florence SC; Sister-in-laws’—Stella Bennett and Mary Lee Dukes (Rochester, New York); Elmira Dukes (Kingstree, SC) and Ida Johnson (Florence SC); Fifteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, special friends Olga Jackson, and Denise Gibert. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. (Pre) Predeceased Grandsons Richard Dukes, Sherrod Dukes (Amanda), David Ralph, Jamel Kiner, Rodney Reed (Cheryl), Shamont Prather, Corey Crupi, Shawn Dukes (Pre), Lemar Dukes (Pre), Sherrell Prather (Pre), Adam McFadden Granddaughters Nikeia Dukes, Karen McFadden, Shalondra Dukes, Jasmine Casevoy Great Grandsons Ryan Reed, Shawn Dukes, Jonah Dukes, Corey Wright, Sherrod Dukes Jr., Sherrell Prather Jr., Rodney Reed Jr., Christian Dukes, Amir Dukes, Jordan Ralph, Kyren Ralph, Kelvin Ralph Great Granddaughters Shauiana Dukes, Deja Dukes, Raeven Dukes, Kennedi Dukes, Tyesha Dukes, Alexis Reed, Ashley Reed Great-Great Grandson Peyton Dukes