Chester and Ruth Duckett

Title

Chester and Ruth Duckett

Description

Chester Duckett was born to Thomas Duckett and Nancy Anderson Duckett. He had 5 brothers and one sister. He and his siblings were raised on a farm owned by the Dillard family. As a young boy, he vowed to never raise his family on a farm to work the fields. He and his family were members of Entree Fork Baptist Church where he was active and remained a member. At an early age, he hoboed to Washington, DC. He worked there for a short time before returning back to Greer, SC. During this time, he met Ruth Brooks at a fish fry. After dating for a time, they were united in marriage. He served in the US Army during WWII. During his time in the service, his wife, Ruth, saved money for them to purchase their first and only house. During their marriage, they had 12 children. Sadly, one became ill at just a few weeks old and passed.
After serving in the US Army, Chester returned home and continued his education, taking up masonry. His trade allowed him to travel and work in NC for a short time. After returning home to Greer again, he went into business with Hubert Mayfield and Benjamin Griffin, forming the Mayfield, Griffin, and Duckett Brick Masons. He later ventured out on his own. His masonry works are still standing throughout areas in Greenville and Spartanburg Counties and Chapel Hill, NC. When he decided to retire from his business, he turned it over to four of his sons.
Chester loved spending quality time with his wife and children. There was no hesitation for his to take his family on a Sunday outing. They would often visit cousins and friends or just go for a ride in the country or visit nearby NC.
During the holidays, family was always invited over for dinner. He often spoke words of wisdom to his children and grandchildren, often encouraging them to go to school and get a good education. He was proud of his children and grandchildren and looked forward to seeing them when they returned home on any occasion.
His wife Ruth was the daughter of Louvenia Brooks Butler. She attended the one room Ansel School and graduated from Dunbar High School. Afterwards, she became a domestic worker. Although she served many families over a span of 60 years, her heart was set on being a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker. As a mother, she was often in the kitchen cooking, canning, and freezing fresh vegetables and fruits. She also enjoyed sewing and making quilts.
She was a very supportive mother and was involved in her children's education. She was a member of Maple Creek Baptist Church where she was an active member and a member of several organizations. She, along with Ms. Edith Mack and Ms Faview Bennett, organized the Maple Creek Sunbeams, an organization for the children in their church.
Chester and Ruth provided a loving and caring home for their children. Because of this upbringing, their children provided many opportunities for them to travel. Although Chester had promised never to fly again after serving in WWII, his wife took advantage of every chance. She enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, going on cruises and visiting her children in other parts of the country.
At the age of 92, while visiting her family in Maryland, she traveled to Washington, DC where she met President Barak Obama, his wife, Michele, and Vice President Joe Biden during the 2009 Inauguration. She once said, "I never thought I would see this day." She was so thrilled.
On November 30, 2005, at the age of 92, Chester died after a long illness. At the time of his death, he and his wife had been married for 72 beautiful years. Surrounded by her children, on the morning of March 19, 2012, Ruth passed at the age of 95 in her home.

Death Date

Chester- November 30, 2005
Ruth- March 19, 2012