top of page
Our Memoriam
Hazel Nell Dukes
National President NAACP
March 17, 1932 - March 1, 2025
It is with profound sorrow that​ the NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch joins the New York State and national civil rights communities in mourning the passing of Dr. Hazel Nell Dukes. A tireless advocate for justice, a fearless leader, and an unwavering voice for the underserved, Dr. Dukes dedicated more than seven decades to advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. She passed away peacefully at her home in New York City at the age of 92, leaving behind an indelible legacy that will continue to shape the fight for justice for generations to come.
There is no coincidence that Dr. Dukes passed on March First. She was always first - in the fight for justice, in leadership, and in ensuring that equality prevailed. March First is now a call to action, reminding us to march forward with purpose, determination, and unwavering commitment to the causes she championed. Her last powerful statement to the world was MARCH FIRST, not just as a date but as a command to keep moving, keep striving, and keep fighting for justice. Even in her passing, she continues to guide us.
James Banks, NAACP Islip-Smithtown Prison Chair, reflected on her influence, "Hazel Dukes, lovingly called 'Momma Dukes', left an undeniable mark on Long Island, New York State, and the world. She commanded rooms, guided leaders, and championed justice with both compassion and strength. Even now, she continues to lead us from her celestial place beside the Creator." NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch President William K. Moss III echoed these sentiments stating, "There are few people who have served the NAACP and civil rights longer, or stronger than Dr. Hazel N. Dukes."
Dr. Dukes' leadership and unwavering dedication to justice, voting rights, education, and economic empowerment have left an indelible mark on the world. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her remarkable life and commit ourselves to continuing her work. Her legacy will live on in every march for justice, in every policy fought for, and in every life touched by the NAACP.
Rest in power, Dr. Dukes. Your light will never dim.
NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch
Keith Allison
Executive Committee Member At-Large and Silver Life Member
December 24, 1967 - December 17, 2020
Keith S. Allison was born to Kenneth S. Allison II and Cheryl Rogers on December 24, 1967 at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York. He grew up in the Regis Park area of Brentwood, NY where he graduated form Brentwood Ross High School and met the love of his life Brenda. Keith learned the art of carpentry and later went on the become the superintendent at Fairfield Properties. During his time at Fairfield, Keith attended the Suffolk County Sheriff's Academy where he later became a Suffolk County Corrections Officer in Riverhead, NY. With just over 25 years of service, Keith reached his goal of Investigator Sergeant after wearing many hats within the Suffolk County Sheriff's Department. Keith served as the President of the SCCOIA and most recently was appointed to be an instructor training sensitivity classes for many officers. Keith was a man dedicated to his family and job and equally dedicated to his community. He volunteered with the Islip Town Branch of the NAACP, served as the President of Brentwood Youth Activities (BYA) for many years as well as holding the seats of Trustee and First Vice President of the Brentwood School Board. His relationship with the Lord grew deeper as he became a Deacon at Faith Alive Ministries in Central Islip, NY before he left his earthly vessel on December 17, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth S. Allison II, Cheryl A. Wilson, brothers Leonardo S. Wilson and Karl S. Allison. Keith S. Allison is survived by his loving wife Brenda Allison, daughter Alicea Allison, son Darius Allison, granddaughter Avaleigh McCoy along with a host of brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and huge extended family.
​
Keith S. Allison is the only Suffolk County employee to pass due to complications of COVID-19. We salute Keith Allison, truly a fallen hero in the 2019-2021 battle against the COVID-19 virus.
​
.jpg)
Jerry Wolkoff
Philanthropic Supporter and Silver Life Member
November 8, 1936 - July 17, 2020
Real Estate Visionary, dead at 83. Jerry Wolkoff was a remarkable person. He meant so much to so many people. He was kind, and generous. He was passionate and intense. He was the embodiment of the American Dream. Born in extreme poverty in Brooklyn, NY he took every advantage of hard work and innate intelligence (which he called "street smarts"), to create a very full, happy and successful life for himself and his family. But he would never describe his success in terms of all the property he developed and buildings he built. Those were just to keep score, as he was the ultimate competitor. He would tell you he was successful because he had the best wife, Michele, who understood his "crazy" personality. He was successful because he loved his kids, Adam and David, his daughter-in-law Stephanie, and his grandchildren Zachary, Tyler, and Alexi. And they loved him! He was successful because he loved his mother Bertha, brothers Morty and Stephen and all of their kids (Sammy, Illyssa, Sabrina, Seth, Eric, Greg) and their grandchildren. He was successful because he loved his in-laws Caryl and Mickey Palin and their kids (Dorothy, Andrea, Dean) and all of their children. He was successful because he had friends he loved and enjoyed; and they enjoyed him. He loved life. He lived it to its fullest without regrets and always with respect. He was truly one of a kind and will forever be missed but never forgotten.
​
Gail Kirkham
Secretary and Silver Life Member
December 10, 1953 - January 1, 2017
Gail Elaine Kirkham was a trustee of the Washington Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC), and president of the Washington Temple COGIC, Christian & Secular Education Department. She was an elected trustee of the Brentwood Public Library, and served as trustee and vice-president of the Brentwood Board of Education. Gail was an active parent serving as the Brentwood Council of PTSAs, President, Former Brentwood High School PTSA, President, Brentwood East Middle School PTA, President, Newsletter Chair for Suffolk District PTA. Because of her dedication to family, community and her God, Gail was received numerous awards throughout her life: New York State PTA Outstanding Newsletter Award ♦ National Negro Women, Suffolk Chapter Honoree ♦ Special Recognition from Assemblyman for Service to Community ♦ Residents for Better Schools Community Service Award ♦ Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Honoree ♦ NAACP Coalition of Branches Service Award ♦ Islip Town Black History Month Award ♦ Islip Town Branch NAACP Women’s History Month Award ♦ and the Nassau/Suffolk School Board’s Association Special Recognition. Gail Elaine Kirkham, our treasured secretary, is survived by her children and grandchildren.
bottom of page