Patricia "Penny" Duerksen, age 88, of Norris, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Parkwest Medical Center.  She was born December 3, 1936, in Columbus, Mississippi, to the late Albert and Katherine Hickey.  She was a school teacher in Roane County until 1980, and then a substitute teacher for Anderson County Schools. Penny was a Norris Religious Fellowship Church member who was very involved in church activities.  Throughout her life, she loved gardening, bird watching, being an avid reader, and attending operas.  In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter Duerksen; brother, Leroy "Lee" Hickey; nephew, Stephen Hickey.

She is survived by her brother, Andrew "Andy" Hickey & wife Julie; step-daughter, Ginger Fulton & husband Kyle; grandchildren, Matthew Fulton, Elizabeth Wohlstadter & husband Pete, Nicholas Fulton & wife Elena; & Christina Fulton; sister-in-law, Mary Sklar; nieces and nephews, Andrew Hickey & wife Elizabeth, Sarah Hickey, Andy Sklar & spouse Mark Evans, and Trey Sklar & wife Christina; also survived by great nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 11:00-12:00 pm on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Norris Religious Fellowship Church. Her funeral service will follow with Dr. Bill Ireland officiating.  Penny's graveside will immediately follow at Norris Memorial Garden.  Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com