About
Earline Duncan Obituary
Who can forget Ms. Duncan-her dignity, diction, and dedication? Teaching was her ministry. She served 39 years in the Memphis City Schools and shared the light of learning at Grant, Klondike, Snowden, and Lester Elementary Schools.
Earline was a voracious reader, a Scrabble player, and Jeopardy Game Show fan. Her personal library of African American Poetry, inspired her daughter, Alice Faye Duncan, to pursue a career writing books for children.
Upon retirement in 1999, Earline tutored youth and adults, and volunteered with groups committed to justice. She was a member of Christian Women United, the Workers Interfaith Network, and the Memphis Interfaith Coalition of Action and Hope. She used her few resources to help the hurting. Her daily prayer was, "Lord! Please give me enough to live and give."
"Sister Dunkins," as she was called by the late Rev. Henry Logan Starks, was a lifelong member of St. James A.M.E. Church. She served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher, Wednesday Bible Study Student, C.A. Jones Field Trip Organizer, and St. James Social Justice Commission Member.
In memory of this indelible and legendary Memphis educator, Earline Duncan, please contribute to "Friends of the Memphis Public Library." www.memphislibrary.org
View All Photos
Add Photos to Memorial
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Melva Hawkins
April 11, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this difficult time. Praying for your strength.
Pat Owens & Family
April 9, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stephanie Griffin
April 8, 2023
A true neighbor......l
A newcomer to the neighborhood, my parents made their way to meet the couple who had just moved in. I asked my mother if I could come along because I saw a little girl about my age on a tricycle.
As we walked a short way down the street, my mom and dad introduced themselves as I observed the little girl on her bike. She quickly said, " hello, my name is Alice Faye, I responded, I´m Stephanie " she quickly replied, " this is my bike and you can´t ride it´ This was the beginning of a long, neighborly, friendship.
Ms. Duncan was a true neighbor. So often through the years she walked up the street to our home and if the door was unlocked she made her entrance known by saying " knock, knock, coming in" She was always welcome.
Ms Duncan was a true neighbor even when my dad died, she was there for us. She held us up when my mother died. Through my brother Clifford´s sickness, Ms. Duncan often took him and sat with him at his Drs. visits. She was there until his untimely death.
Rest well Ms Duncan. You were the best kind of neighbor and friend.
Stephanie Faulkner
Jean Andrus
April 8, 2023
Alice Faye, I'm so thankful for getting to meet your wonderful Mother. I know the roots of your energy and tenacity.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Karen Phillips
April 8, 2023
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Karen Nolan Phillips- one of her students at Snowden.
Lovenia Green
April 7, 2023
I would like to send my deepest condolences to to the Duncan and Walsh family. Earline was truly a rare jewel. She will surely be missed.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Earline Duncan's name
How to support Earline's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Earline Duncan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
