Ms. Florence Hanna Dukes

Florence Roberta Lynette Hanna Dukes was born on November 11, 1947, in Miami, Florida. She was the eldest of two children born to the late Carl and Mizie Hanna. Although she was raised as an only child, she could proudly say that she was a big sister, to younger brother Carl Hanna, Jr., who passed away one week after his birth. As a Bahamian descendant, on both her paternal and maternal sides, the Anglican Church played an important role in her family's life. And quite naturally, she chose to follow tradition, and worship at an Episcopal Church - the American Branch of the Anglican Communion. Faithfully, she attended The Church of the Transfiguration, throughout her youth. Florence grew up in segregated Miami, attending Miami-Dade Public Schools. After graduating from Arthur and Polly Mays High School in 1965, her strong faith led her to St. Augustine's University (formerly St. Augustine's College), in Raleigh, NC - one of only two Episcopal, historically-black colleges in the United States. There, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education/History. Academics was not her only focus or passion. She also managed to catch the eye of the school's defensive lineman, Enoch Dukes (also of Miami, Florida), and eloped her junior year in college. Their 47-year union produced two lovely daughters, Karlicia and Enica. In the early 1970s, the young family moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin so that Enoch could pursue a graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Although the couple's initial plan was to head back to Miami, after Enoch completed his graduate program, Florence quickly immersed herself in the Milwaukee community and culture and decided to never to look back. Many community leaders saw Florence's potential early on and helped her navigate a fulfilling career that spanned across educational, creative and performing arts and government/political arenas. Her first position was as Executive Director of the Milwaukee Learning Center. From there, she was offered a position as Executive Director of the Milwaukee Inner City Arts Council (ICAC). Over her twelve-year tenure, her programs helped showcase and launch the careers of many local artists. While at the ICAC, Florence also obtained her graduate degree in Management Administration from Cardinal Stritch University. The graduate degree opened up new opportunities for her in human resource management. She spent several years at the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), as the Manager of Career Planning and Staff Development, until she landed a career in local government. Florence was the first appointment of newly elected Mayor John Norquist and became the City's first African American woman to hold a post in his administration. She served in a variety of senior human resource roles, including the City's Employee Benefits Director, Deputy Director, and Director of Employee Relations. After leaving her post, she retired in 2009 as the Safety Director for the Milwaukee Police Department. Florence dedicated her life to her faith, family, and the community-at-large. She was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for 42 years, and dutifully worked in the church's Thrift Shop, on the Altar Guild, and as a Chalice Bearer. She also served as a Vestry Member, Junior/Senior Warden, and Chair of the Personnel and African American Heritage Month Planning committees. Within her community, she was a member of many organizations throughout the years, including a charter member of The Links, Incorporated - Cream City Chapter and former President; and Silver Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated - Epsilon Kappa Omega Chapter. Florence is survived by her daughters Karlicia Dukes Gilbert (Martin) and Enica Dukes Russell (Jason), grandchildren, Madison, Logan, and Emory, and a host of cousins, godchildren, and friends. She is preceded in death by parents Carl and Mizie Hanna; husband, Enoch Dukes; and grandson, Cameron.

Ms. Florence Hanna Dukes

November 11, 1947 - August 20, 2023