Frances Duke dances the jitterbug for Miss Clifford Shank’s 99th birthday. Mrs. Frances Duke was 88 years old on January 19 and was honored on Saturday, January 21, with a lunch at the Watchmaker’s restaurant in Washington.

Those present were Peggy Barnett, Pauline Bell, Carolyn Gammon, Ann Haughey, Ann Tiller, and of course, Frances Duke. All are members of Delta Kappa Gamma, a sorority for teachers.

The group presented Mrs. Duke a birthday cake, cards and red roses. Another arrangement of sweetheart roses was sent to the restaurant for her from Carol McTier and her family.

The ladies sang “Happy Birthday,” enjoyed jokes, and poetry quoted by their entertainer, the 88year-old lady who says, “I fight old age every day!”

Mrs. Duke was recognized again at the Tignall Baptist Church on Sunday where she stood and said that she felt fortunate to be able to celebrate her 88th birthday.

While on the subject of Mrs. Frances Duke’s birthday, it is a good time to tell a little something about her. She taught school for 41 years and taught most people in Wilkes County over the age of 36. She watches most all sports on television and is an avid fan of the Duke University basketball team.

Members of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority who were present to celebrate Frances Duke’s 88th birthday were (from left) Mrs. Duke, Carolyn Gammon, Peggy Barnett, Pauline Bell, Ann Tiller, and Ann Haughey. She has a wonderful memory and quite often quotes poetry for anyone around. She danced a jitterbug for Miss Clifford Shank on her 99th birthday and when she finished dancing, she told Miss Clifford, “Clifford, on your 100th birthday I’ll add a few more steps.” Of course, she won’t be able to dance for Miss Clifford, because Miss Clifford has passed on. What a remarkable lady!