Dr. Gayle Williams Duskin

Dr. Gayle Williams Duskin was born on February 20, 1937 in New Orleans, Louisiana to the late Sister Leola Eillis Williams and the late Hathaway “Curley” Williams. The only daughter in her family, she attended Bush Kindergarten, James Weldon Johnson Elementary, and Gaudet Episcopal High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education (English) from Dillard University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Tulane University, and a Doctorate in Composition and Rhetoric from Louisiana State University. A faithful member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, Dr. Gayle accepted Jesus Christ at an early age, and her faith guided her throughout her life. She was united in marriage to Richard Duskin for over 55 years, and together they raised three children. Dr. Gayle’s lifelong passion for education touched countless lives. She taught at several New Orleans schools, served with the Teacher Center Staff Development, and later retired as professor and co-chair of the English Department at both Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans. She was a proud member of Eastern Star, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the Red Hat Society, and Gay Silhouettes. Known for her generous spirit, love of people, and self-described “wordsmith” nature, Dr. Gayle was an avid reader, a nurturing presence, and a source of wisdom and kindness to many. She was called home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Duskin, her daughter Lisa Duskin-Rohilliard, her son Richard Gregory Duskin, and her brother Leon Williams. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Mark Duskin; son-in-law Darrell Rohilliard, Sr.; grandchildren Dominique Stewart, Darrell, Jr., Joshua, and Jordan Rohilliard, Mariah and Summer Duskin; great-granddaughters Kyndall and Kylani Tillman; and a host of relatives and friends. Dr. Gayle lived an extraordinary life of love, learning, and service. Her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, 8282 I-10 Service Road, New Orleans, LA 70126 on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:00am. Visitation will begin at 9:00am until 10:00am. Internment: Mount Olivet Cemetery, 400 Noman Mayer Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122. Arrangements entrusted to D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans, LA 70125. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences with the family.