Vivian Duke

Vivian Duke was an enchanting and talented woman who vibrantly lived her life and like a ray of light, could brighten even the darkest of rooms with her compassionate and fun loving personality. Vivian cherished each day she was given whether she was singing for a television show, camping with her husband, or caring for her beloved dog Nicki. Vivian was a special woman with a unique singing voice, but Vivian was even more extraordinary simply by being the woman that she was each and every day. The 1930s were a fantastic time within the music world as young people flocked to hear and dance to the Big Band sounds of Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. George and Verda (Johnson) Scott, of Muskegon, Michigan were looking forward to their own fantastic time as well; as Verda was due to give birth to their child at any time. They were indeed blessed on January 9, 1931 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Vivian. Vivian grew up as one of two children in her family during a time when many American families were held tightly within the grip of the Great Depression. Vivian was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and a love for performing country music. Her life took an exciting turn when she met a delightful man named Jesse Monroe Duke while performing at a gig. Jesse was enamored with Vivian at first glance and a love story which would span nearly 50 years had begun. A romance soon ensued between Vivian and Jesse and they were united in marriage on November 22, 1957. Life again became exhilarating for Vivian when she cut two records in Nashville in 1967. She became good friends with Mel Tillis, a fellow country music singer who began recording songs in the 1950s, and he made a tremendous impact on Vivian and her singing career. Vivian was also thrilled to perform several times on the Green Valley Jamboree, the longest running country music show which was broadcast from Kalamazoo for over 34 years. Her talents didnt only include singing as she could play the piano and organ as well. Although Vivian didnt have any children of her own, she established close relationships with her step-children, Monroe, Joyce and Ruth as well as her sister Eleanors children: Shelia, Marcia, and Phillip. Vivian was an important presence in all of their lives and she loved them as though they were her own, treasuring them each in their own unique way. A bit later in her life, Vivian was blessed with a four-legged child named Nicki; a Maltese dog that she poured her love into, showering her dog with undivided attention. After she retired with 39 years of dedicated work at National Products, manufacturer of various food preparation products located in Grand Haven, and Jesse had retired as well, they enjoyed traveling together. They also spent quite a bit of time camping and together they enjoyed taking in all the magnificent sights that the world has to offer. Life wasnt always easy for Vivian, however, as she suffered the devastating loss of her husband and best friend Jesse, in 2007. During this time Vivian looked to her family for strength to get through these most difficult days. Life again became more difficult for Vivian when her precious dog Nicki died as well. Between the loss of both her husband and Nicki, her companion for 19 years, Vivian seemed to have lost her motivation to live and began to withdraw as a result. It was as though when the loss of Jesse and Nicki became real to Vivian, a part of her died right along with them. Vivian Duke had a commanding presence; she could light up a room with her compassionate spirit and vibrant personality. She enjoyed simple things like the color lavender or the smell of a campfire, but she also passionately loved those placed in her life and treasured each moment she was given to share with them. Vivian was a talented musician who enjoyed sharing her love for music with others as well. Vivian often sacrificed her own needs to care for others and she spent a lifetime making wonderful memories which will be treasured by all those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed. Vivian M. Duke, of Muskegon, MI, died on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at Christian Cares Nursing Facility in Muskegon. Vivians family includes her step son, Monroe (Helen) Duke of Grant; step daughters: Joyce Naylor of Twin Lake, Ruth Puckett (George Watson) of Sparta; grandchildren, Regina (Rick) Johnson, Robin (Dan) Johnson, Angela Owens, Jason Richards, David (Andrea) Richards, Anita Thompson, Thomas Naylor, Don Lonski and MaCaleb Watson;13 great grand children and 1 great great grandchild; sister Eleanor Anderson, and her very special nieces and nephew Sheila, Marcia, and Phillip. Visit with Vivians family and friends on Wednesday February 4, 2009 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes- Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI and one hour prior to the service which is on Thursday, February 5, 2009, 12:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel with Pastor Mead of Cedar Creek Covenant Church officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Garden Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Cedar Creek Covenant Church, Christian Care Nursing Home or Lakeview Manor Adult Foster Care in Whitehall.