Mamie Helen Duke Rentz

Mamie Helen Duke Rentz, 82, of Lake Park, peacefully passed away on Friday, October 29, 2021 at her home, surrounded by loving family. She was born on September 11, 1939 to the late James Glenn Gregory and Irene Spells Gregory. Mrs. Rentz loved working in her yard and watching things grow. Her potted plants were the envy of the neighborhood. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Valdosta for over 30 years, where she enjoyed working with children. She was also a member of First Baptist Church of Lake Park for over 5 years, where she loved her church family and making people laugh. She dearly loved her family, was always very hospitable, and enjoyed cooking. She and her first husband, Bill Duke, owned Duke’s Photography in Valdosta for over 20 years.

Mrs. Rentz is survived by her daughters, Wendy Lane of Lake Park, Ouida Duke Lampert (Izzy) Harbin of Elkhart, IN; daughter by choice, Joani Pinkard of Lake Park; son, James “Jim” (Debbie) Duke; grandchildren, Morgan Lane of Valdosta, and Brandon Duke; brother Glenn (Sherri) Gregory, of Lake Park. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William “Bill” Wynn Duke, and James Allen Rentz, and sister, Betty Gregory Pitzing Hamby.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of SGMC Lanier Campus Rehab Department and the nurses and staff of Hospice of South Georgia for the compassionate care given to Mrs. Rentz.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Lake Park with Rev. Robert Dawson and Rev. Jason Spell officiating. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Helen’s charity of choice, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.