Regina "Jeanie" Ann Dukes

Regina Ann Puntel Dukes, 87, affectionately known as Jeanie, peacefully transitioned into her eternity on September 27, 2026, while under hospice care at Gibson Health & Rehabilitation Center in Gibson.

Born on February 17, 1939, in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Regina’s early life took her to Miami, Florida, after the death of her father when she was six years old. She graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1957. It was during those years that the story of her family life began to unfold. She met the love of her life while he was serving in the Air Force, and after a whirlwind romance, they were married in August 1958. They soon began their family in Miami before moving to Augusta, Georgia, in 1960, and then settling in their forever home in Stellaville in 1964.

Jeanie devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She found being a wife, mother, and homemaker to be the most fulfilling calling of her life. She made her home a loving safe haven and took pride in providing a clean, healthy environment for those she loved. Very independent by nature and deeply supportive of her family, she gave of herself in ways both steady and generous.

After moving to Georgia, Jeanie worked for Uniroyal until 1969. She then dedicated herself as a stay-at-home mother until 1975, when she joined Atwell Pecan Company as a seasonal worker. Her years there became a remarkable chapter of faithfulness and hard work, and she retired after more than 42 years of service.

Jeanie enjoyed the simple and joyful pleasures of life. She loved to go shopping and was ready to go anytime. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains. She was known as a great cook and took special happiness in watching her family enjoy the meals she prepared. She also loved working alongside her husband in their vegetable garden and preparing the fruits of their labor for her family. She was a sociable and warm presence who enjoyed being with people, visiting, laughing, and having a good time.

Her faith remained an important part of her life. Raised as a Catholic, she attended St. Joan of Ark in Louisville. Later, Jeanie attended Ways Baptist Church with her family and was baptized in the early 1980s. After that, she continued attending both churches until her health declined.

Jeanie leaves behind a family who will cherish her memory with deep love. She is survived by her sons, Tony Dukes and his wife Sherry, Jimmy Dukes, and Paul Dukes. She also leaves 11 grandchildren: Kevin Owens and his wife Crystal, Jason Owens and his wife Ashley, Alison Doughman and her husband Michael, Anthony Dukes and his wife Ashley, Jacob Dukes, Ella Dukes, Kathryn Phillips and her husband Chevy, Erica Neal and her husband Roger, Nick Dukes, Dekle Todd III, and Charles Jones; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; her brother Rolph Schulz of Germany; and other extended family, church family and friends. Their lives stand as part of the lasting legacy of her love, care, and devotion.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Taylor Dukes; her beloved daughter, Janice Dukes Owens; her father, Anthony James Puntel; her mother, Victoria Sutrynowicz Schulz; her step-father, Paul Schulz; and her sister, Paula Cheever.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at James Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Ways Baptist Church, with Rev. Jason Owens officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center, as well as to the staff of Georgia Care Hospice, for their loving, compassionate and professional care give to Jenni.

Regina Ann Puntel Dukes will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, her steadfast love for her family, and the welcoming home and life she built around them. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.