It is with great sadness that the family of Jo Ann Furtick Dukes, born on January 13, 1943, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.

Jo Ann will be remembered as a woman whose life was deeply rooted in family, hard work, and the simple joys she cherished most. Alongside her husband, she was the co-owner and operator of Earl Dukes Barbeque for over 18 years, sharing in the work and commitment that became an important part of her life. Outside of work, she loved gardening and being outdoors with her flowers, finding happiness in the beauty she nurtured around her. Above all, Jo Ann loved her family, and that love was at the heart of the life she lived.

She is survived by her beloved husband of over 60 years, Earl Dukes, Jr. She also leaves behind her children: her three sons Earl A. Dukes, III and his wife, Teresa, of Newport, N.C.; Michael J. Dukes of Orangeburg; Kevin C. Dukes and his wife, Stephanie, of Orangeburg; and her daughter, Sharon R. Linnell of Spartanburg. Jo Ann is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and her sisters, Frances Pace of Laurens, Peggy Weatherford of Santee, and Emily Outlaw of Lexington. Those who knew her through her family ties and daily life will remember the steady love and care she gave so freely.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Furtick; her mother, Ethel Hooker Furtick; and her sister, Sarah Jones.

Family and friends will be received for visitation on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc., 1012 Whitman St SE, Orangeburg, SC 29115. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Broughton Street, Orangeburg, 2720 Broughton St, Orangeburg, SC 29115. Rev. Larry Williams and Rev. Thomas Brookshire will be officiating.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Nicholas Dukes, Juan Dukes, Eddie Weatherford, Andy Weatherford, Bubba Weatherford, Woody Rucker, Bubba Rucker and Justin Greene.

Honorary pallbearers will be, Lee Simpson, Jonathan Jackson and Bryan Jackson.

Friends may come by the residence of Earl A. Dukes, Jr.

Memorials in Jo Ann's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society at American Cancer Society
P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online at American Cancer Society/donate.

Jo Ann Dukes leaves behind a memory of devotion, warmth, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family and by all who had the blessing of knowing her.