Darlene Darcel Duke, of Covington, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the age of 61.

It is with great sadness that Sheriff Levett and members of the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office announce the passing of Lieutenant Darlene Duke, a beloved member of the Jail Operations Bureau. A mother, grandmother, sister and friends to many. She was always ready for an adventure and a laugh.

Lieutenant Duke’s impact stretched far beyond her rank or title. She was someone who cared deeply for the people around her. She was a leader who believed in bringing people together, whether that was taking deputies on shift on trips, like white water rafting or encouraging them through the difficult moments that often come with the line of work required of Detention Deputies. She was always there for anyone in a time of need and made a lasting impression on all who she came in contact with.

She had a way of making people feel seen, supported, and valued. To many, she was more than a Lieutenant. She was a mentor, a friend, and a steady presence they knew they could count on everyday. Her kindness, strength, and love for Team RCSO will never be forgotten. Her life made a difference.

One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. Her grandsons were the light of her life who she loved deeply. She was endlessly proud of the young men they were becoming and treasured every moment spent with them. Celebrating their accomplishment, sharing laughter, or simply being together. They brought her immeasurable happiness. Her love, encouragement, and unwavering pride in them will remain a lasting gift to carry.

Grief is not something that can be fully put into words and oftentimes feels as though a piece of ourselves is missing, left in the space where her laughter, her presence, and her love once was. But even in that absence, her memory remains with us, in the quiet moments, in the stories we will carry forward, and in the ache of knowing someone so deeply loved is no longer here beside us.

To the family of Lieutenant Duke, we stand with you, we grieve alongside you, and we will hold you close in our hearts during this unimaginable loss. Please know that her RCSO family will forever carry her memory, her service, her laughter, and the love she shared so freely with so many.

Please keep Lt. Duke's family, friends, loved ones, and our RCSO family in your thoughts and prayers as we grieve this loss together.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Ollie Duke; brother, Keith Johnson; and grandmother, Mary Duke.

Survivors include her daughters, Darla Edwards, Cayce Jarrell; son-in-law, Dallas Edwards, Sr.; grandchildren, Dallas Edwards, Jr., DeShawn Edwards, Daylen Edwards, David Edwards, Ashton Jarrell; brothers, Kenneth Johnson, Bill Johnson; nieces and nephew, Ashley Bouchillon, Christina Layfield, Travis Johnson; as well as several other family members.

A Memorial Service for Mrs. Duke will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2026, 12:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, two hours prior to her service from 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.