Dena Dukes

Dena Marie Dukes, 59, of Secretary, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at UMSMC at Dorchester.

Born on December 8, 1961 in Cambridge, Maryland, she was a daughter of Norma Jean Hurley Fisher and the late George Darcy Willoughby.

Dena attended the local schools and graduated from NDHS with the class of 1979.

On October 3, 1998 she married Melvin Marine Dukes and they made their home in Secretary.

She worked at Mid-Shore Mental Health and then Shore Health Systems before her health started failing in 2000.  Dena attended Faith Baptist Fellowship Church in Cambridge.

Dena enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, cooking, canning and crafts.  She was a big fan of Pinterest.  Dena was known to keep a very neat and tidy home.  When she was forced to use a walker, she would be seen trying to vacuum while holding on to the walker.  She will truly be missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Melvin; her mother Jean (Bud); two children Richard Allen Derenda and Heather Renee Thomas; three step-children Jerri Lynn Hughes (Jody), Wes Dukes and Kris Dukes; grandchildren Destini Pritchett,  JB Hughes, Dalton and Brantley Dukes and Alex Dukes; two brothers Russell (Butch) Willoughby (Missy) and Michael Willoughby (Tina); four sisters Debbie Horseman (Bobby), Cheryl Todd (Charles), Vicky Wheatley (Willie), and Nancy Robinson (David); an adopted daughter Carla Thacker;  several nieces and nephews.

Preceded her in death was her father George Darcy Willoughby who died on November 20, 2020.

A walk through viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, Cambridge, MD.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home beginning 1 pm. with Rev. Randall Blackmon officiating.  Social distancing and face coverings will be required.

Interment will follow at East New Market Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Butch Willoughby, Rusty Willoughby, Jody Hughes, Danny Mooney, Walter Dukes and Ricky Derenda.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, 308 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613 to help defray funeral cost.

To share online condolences with the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com.