Grace Everson Dukes, 90, of Athens, died Monday evening, June 28, 2010 at Life Care of Athens. A native of Caseville, Michigan, and resident of McMinn County for 21 years, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Lena Brigham Firth. She was a member of Unity Church, and was a retired professional speaker and writer. She once had a women's radio program in Michigan. She was preceded in death by one sister, Ethel Graves. Survivors include her husband, Bill Dukes of Athens; one daughter, Ruth Ann Harmes of Grand Blanc, Mich.; one son, Kent Everson of Plano, Texas; two step-daughters, Cindy Norman of Elkhart, Ind., and Susan Rutan of Niota; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friends and co-authors in a writers club in Flint, Mich., Zane Spencer and Jay Leech; and special caregiver, Linda Moberly. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, July 17, 2010 in the South Chapel with Chaplain Emmett Morgan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Faye Forgety, 120 Co. Rd. 447, Athens, TN 37303.