Marilyn R. Dukes

Mrs. Marilyn Ruth Dukes was surrounded by a host of family and friends as she transitioned peacefully
Saturday, November 4, 2023.  Her loving and devoted husband was by her side while she went home to
be with the Lord. 

Marilyn Ruth McDaniel Dukes, a life-long resident of Akron, Ohio, departed this earthly life on
November 4, 2023.  Marilyn was the youngest of eight children born December 21, 1951, to the
parentage of the late Samuel and Shirley McDaniel.  She confessed to Christ at an early age and united
with the St. Ashworth Temple Church of God in Christ here in Akron, where she remained a faithful
member until God called her home.  Marilyn was a 1970 graduate of Akron’s former South High School. 
Marilyn retired from the Akron Public School System in 2019 where she worked diligently as a Special
Education Teacher Assistant to serve the students who attended.  Marilyn had an extreme passion for
arts, crafts and drawing.  She could take simple fabric and a bow and make it become a beautiful
masterpiece to adorn any tablescape, door or wall. She enjoyed traveling, gourmet coffee, talking with
friends and trying all sorts of new restaurants and varying cuisines. She was fun-spirited and lively; she
loved all things Winter and Christmas. She wore a new Christmas sweater daily from Thanksgiving
through the new year with no repeats. This Christmas sweater practice became her signature
characteristic, people looked forward to seeing all the Christmas garments as she exhibited and spread
good cheer throughout the holidays.  She was preceded in death by her brothers, Henry, Cecil and
Harold McDaniel. 

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of more than 25 years, Levester; two children,
devoted daughter, Anitra “Niecy” Davis; devoted son, David Rumph, Jr.; and bonus son, Antoine Maxwell
(Shannon). Constant companion, Snowball, her beloved dog of 17 years.  Two brothers, Tommy
McDaniel (Lucille) of Akron, OH, and Benard Jackson of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters, Diane Winfrey
(Lepoleon) of Shaker Heights, OH and Katherine “Cricket” Beacham, of Akron, OH. In-laws, Magnolia
McCall and Ronnie (Pam) Dukes of Akron, OH, Gloria Dukes Green of Alexander, AR; Patsy Dukes
(Warren) Jackson of Newport News, VA; Brenda Dukes Wayne of Little Rock, AR; Thelma Dukes Martin
(Broderick) and Elemaire Dukes Parham (Richard), both of North Little Rock, AR; and Otha (Patricia)
Dukes of Detroit, MI.

She leaves a bevy of nieces, nephews and cousins; Charles Beacham (Aimee), Brandon Beacham,
Marcellus Boyd (Jeneen), Marcus Winfrey, Derryl “Crow” Matthews, Tony McDaniel, Cristopher Beacham, Brittany Beacham, Allison Beacham, Aliyah (Khalil) Stor’johnson, Keilani, Cadence, Carsyn,
Mia, Anjali, Hezekiah, Brooklyn Shell, Juliana Shell, Khalid Boyd, Elise Boyd, Shaila Scott.   Special friends,
Doug and Sandra Edmundson and Larry Slaughter.