Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

November 14, 2025

There's a new, blue-eyed, blond-haired, funny, kind, pretty and all-dressed-up woman in Heaven as of Friday, November 14, 2025.  

Julie Anne Bowler Duke left this earth and was welcomed quickly by the angels who reunited her with her daughter, Lauren; her father, Bob; her sister, Vickie; her aunt, Marcia; her greatly loved grandparents, Gaga and Grandpa Farrell, and her mother-in-law, Peggy Bruce. Her excitement in seeing them as she ran toward them and their great joy in welcoming her to Heaven with so many hugs and kisses must have been amazing to see.

After seven years of health struggles, Julie was ready for God's home.  She deserved the reward of Heaven where she has now fully regained her health.  We are so happy for her but the pain of losing her is incredible.

Julie was born on February 15, 1966 in Auburn, New York to Robert Thomas ("Bob") Bowler and Marilynn Farrell Bowler.  From the beginning she was a spitfire.  She was a swimming ace at an early age and played basketball and softball as a teenager.  Her athletic prowess was impressive to coaches and they constantly tried to recruit her.  In addition, she was a superb cook with specialties such as meatloaf, baked spaghetti and stuffed peppers.  She was constantly "invited" to bring any or all of her specialties to dinner with family and friends. She happily obliged.

Julie's heart was huge in its caring for others.  If there was someone in need, she was first in line. She was an absolutely awesome wife, mother and  Mawmaw.  She was so proud of her husband; she adored her children; and she doted on her four grandchildren.

Left to miss her forever are her husband, David Duke; her daughter, Karrington Duke, and her son, Stefan Duke.  She also leaves her grandchildren McKaela Ridings, Braeden Ridings, Colton Sekelsky and Brady Sekelsky.  In addition, she is survived by her mother, Marilynn Bowler; her sisters, Laura Whitley and Elizabeth ("Beth") Bowler; and her brother, Tom Bowler; her brothers-in-law, Mark Whitley and Jack Bruce, III.; her niece, Rachel Whitley; David's step-father, Jack Bruce, Jr. and his wife, Debbie; and many cherished aunts, uncles and cousins.

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, November 19th at 11:30 a.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Charlotte, NC

In lieu of flowers, Julie would like gifts made in her memory donated to the Victoria A. Bowler Scholarship Fund at Central Piedmont Community College.(established to provide scholarships in nursing, paralegal and medical assistant programs.)  Donate online at www.cpccfoundation.org/victoria-bowler-memorial-scholarship or by mail to Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, Post Office  Box 35009, Charlotte, North Carolina 28235.  Please include "Victoria Bowler Scholarship" on the memo line or include that information if submitted online.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC  28204.  (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com