Hilton Bernard Duckworth

On February 7, 1938, Hilton Bernard (Bernie) Duckworth was born to Hilton and Elsie Duckworth. Bernie had two siblings Clarence Edward and Shirley. He grew up in Huntington, W. VA and had an appreciation for music, especially classical and marching band. He played the trumpet and loved learning to play all sorts of music. He had fond memories of attending and graduating from Douglass High School. He greatly valued education and encouraged his mother to return to school to obtain her diploma. They graduated together in 1955 and both were featured in the local newspaper and even graced the pages of Jet magazine for achieving this goal together. Furthering his inquisitive and scientific mind, he enrolled in Marshall University. He had plans to become a medical doctor and enjoyed classes in chemistry and zoology which was his major. However, God had other plans for him.

Bernie married Bobbie Bryant October 20, 1957, and two children Hilton Bernard Jr. and Angela were born. Bernie joined the US Army during this time. Unfortunately, this union dissolved.

While working in Detroit, he met the love of his life, Agnes Rankin. They were married on August 28, 1965. They had three children: Deloris, Cynthia, and Fletcher. Bernie raised his children to respect and love the Lord, other people, and value education. Bernie had a sense of humor and enjoyed playing practical jokes.

Bernie began his professional career with the United States Customs Service. He moved up the ranks and transferred to multiple positions and accepted his final position as the Port Director of Cincinnati, OH.
During his years in Cincinnati, he enjoyed mentoring youth and co-coached a middle school aged boys basketball team.

Bernie was a beloved and respected brother within the Prince Hall Masonic Family. He was a member of Pride of the Valley Lodge No. 95, where he served as Worshipful Master in 1992. He was also a member of Pride of the Valley Chapter No. 71 OES (Order of the Eastern Star) and served as Worthy Patron in 1996. Sublime Prince Duckworth was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and was a member of King Solomon Consistory No.20.

Bernie departed this life on June 13, 2021. His contributions to his family, friends, brethren, and community will be sorely missed.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents Elsie and Hilton Duckworth, sister Shirley Liles and son Hilton Duckworth Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Agnes Duckworth, brother Bishop Clarence (Patricia) Duckworth, children Angela (Greg) Stanley, Deloris Duckworth, Cynthia Mills, Fletcher (Cheryl) Duckworth, and beloved daughter-in-law Lorraine Duckworth.

Seven grandchildren; Savannah (Lorenzo) Mack, Elizabeth Duckworth, Christian Stanley, Zachery Stanley, Avry Duckworth, Darynne Mills and Ciara Mills. His memory will also be cherished by his extended family of Sisters and Brothers-in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.