Dorothy Jean Fraser Duke passed away on Nov. 7, 2025, in Atlanta, at the age of 99. She was born on Aug. 13, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Penn., to Dorothy Young Fraser and Carlyle Fraser. Her early life was marked by a move to Atlanta, in 1928, where she would spend the majority of her life.
Her husband, the late Paul Duke, developed Peachtree Corners.
Jean was a graduate of Washington Seminary and furthered her education by attending Agnes Scott before graduating from Georgia State University.
An ardent Georgia Tech fan, Jean was recognized for her commitment to the school with an Honorary Alumnus award in 2006. Her hobbies were characterized by a passion for sports and aviation. As a serious competitor, Jean was an active ALTA tennis player and along with her friend Pat Cunningham, organized numerous tennis tournaments at Sea Island. She was also an avid aviator and a long-standing member of the Ninety-Nines, participating in women’s cross-country races.
Her personal life was deeply rooted in Atlanta. She married Paul Duke in 1947 and together they shared five children. Jean and Paul were lifelong members of North Avenue Presbyterian Church, with a deep commitment to both their faith and community.
Jean is survived by her son, Fraser Duke; granddaughters, Fraser Tison Kent (Steven), Laura Tison Meis (Sebastian), Katie Tison Baddour (Michael); and grandsons, Ben Pierce (Erica), Logan Duke, and Paul Duke. She was predeceased by her husband, Paul Duke; siblings, Jack Fraser, Richard Fraser, and Nancy Fraser Parker; and her children, Ginger Duke, Linda Duke Pierce, Laura Duke Tison (Hunter); and son, Paul Duke Jr.
A memorial service will be held at North Avenue Presbyterian Church at 607 Peachtree Street, Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to North Avenue Presbyterian Church.
