Hartselle, Alabama
Hartselle
Elaine Duncan, 86, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, peacefully passed from here on Sunday evening, Oct. 12, 2008. W.C. Duncan, her lov ing husband and constant companion of 62 years, as al ways, was at her side along with her children.
She was born and grew up in New Orleans, La., and that background was evi denced by her renowned reputation as a wonderful cook, especially of Cajun dishes, and her lifelong cele bration of New Orleans cus toms and events. She joy fully welcomed friends and family, expected and unex pected, to join her for special meals and friendship.
A Hartselle resident for over 50 years, she was dedi cated to the youth of her community. While her chil dren were young, she could always be counted on to vol unteer for whatever parent activity was needed and they lovingly remember her as everyone's favorite gram mar school room mother. A Cub Scout and later Girl Scout leader, she planned fun, interesting activities which enticed many to join and participate. She was a founding sponsor of Les Amies, a club for teen girls, which continues today.
After her children were grown, she became a mem ber of the Hartselle School Board for 17 years, where she helped create and estab lish the city of Hartselle School System, all out of her love and dedication to the young people of her commu nity. An active member of First Methodist Church and later First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, she could be counted on to do whatever was needed to sup port church events, espe cially if it involved prepar ing meals or special foods.
For many years, she also volunteered with the Mor gan County Alliance of the Morgan County Medical So ciety and helped raise funds for medical school scholar ships.
In addition to her hus band, Dr. W.C. Duncan, she is survived by her three children, Dr. Pam Varner (Ed) of Birmingham, Phyllis Moore (Doug) and Conley Duncan (Kathy) of Decatur. Her grandchildren, Stuart Ann Varner, Duncan Varner, Parker Moore, Kristen Baldwin (Buck), Christopher Duncan and Selby Duncan have many happy memories of fun times as the center of attention of their adoring grandmother. A great granddaughter, Ella Ray Baldwin, brought joy to her in recent times.
In lieu of flowers, the fam ily request donations be made to the Hartselle School Foundation, Parents and Chil dren Together (P.A.C.T.) program, First Presbyterian Church of Decatur or to the charity of your choice.
Funeral will be Wednes day, Oct. 15, 2008, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur with Dr. V. Don Haas officiating and Peck Funeral Home direct ing. The body will be at the church one half hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight from 6 to 8 at the fu neral home.
Pallbearers will be grand sons and her sons in law.
This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.
Elaine was a wonderful kind person who always gave of herself with great love and humor. I will never forget her laugher or her cooking. Paula Deen could have taken lessons from her. She was a true southern gem and the world is a better place because of her.
May my cousin rest in peace knowing she was much loved by everyone who knew her.
Patricia Duncan
October 19, 2008 | Fresno, CA
Dr. Duncan/Family:
How very sorry we were to learn of Elaine's death. We loved her very much and have such fond memories of the many years we lived across the street from you dear folks. Carole and I will be praying for you during this hard time. We love you and are glad to call you our friends.
Junior/Carole Hill
October 18, 2008 | Hartselle, AL
The Duncan Family,
My prayers go out to all of you. Mrs. Duncan was one of those ladies that you never forget. She was my Girl Scout leader many years ago. I never saw her without a smile and a loving word for you. I remember on night we went on a camping trip over night and I gat very sick. Dr. Duncan had to take me home and on the way we ran out of gas. The very same year we had a float in the Decatur Christmas parade and in the middle of the parade Dr. Duncan ran out of gas again....
Jane (Hopson) Orr
October 17, 2008 | Pgeon Forge (Hartselle), TN
Conley, I will long remember the hospitality and fellowship that Elaine, you and your family shared with Mom, Dad and I a number of years ago at your retirement party. I was also honored to have Elaine and you as a guest at my wedding. Its with this affection that Tammy and I remember Elaine. We regret not being there to celebrate her life with your family and will pray for you all during this time of sadness.
Andy Duncan (Bruce and Bette's Son) -Aiken, SC
Andrew Duncan
October 16, 2008 | Aiken, SC
Thank you for always sharing your mother. She was a wonderful person and always made me feel special. I treasure the friendship that I have had with your family and I'm bless to have know all of you.
My Love and Prayers,
Kathy White-Goodwin
Kathy White Goodwin
October 15, 2008 | Hartselle, AL
Conley & Family, Our thoughts & prayers are with you in the passing of Elaine, dearest friend, mother & wife. I had the pleasure of seeing her three times, along with you, Conley and immediately felt a kinship to both of you. Elaine's charming smile & wit were so very special, and it seemed like we had known you both for a long time. We know she is now with our Lord and is watching down upon all of us. Conley, please know love & prayers are with you. Jackie & Ron Esnard
Jackie Esnard
October 15, 2008 | Plano, TX
DR. DUNCAN AND FAMILY: We were so saddened to learn about the death of Mrs. Duncan. She was a very special lady and we always loved to see her smiling face when she came to the office. You are a very special person to us and you have surely taken care of the love of your life. We know she is in a better place and will now have a new body. Dr. Gandhi is still out of town but he will be sad to hear about this when he returns. May God be with you all at this time and just remember all the good ...
SANDRA MASON
October 15, 2008 | HARTSELLE, AL
DR. DUNCAN AND FAMILY: We were so saddened to learn about the death of Mrs. Duncan. She was a very special lady and we always loved to see her smiling face when she came to the office. You are a very special person to us and you have surely taken care of the love of your life. We know she is in a better place and will now have a new body. Dr. Gandhi is still out of town but he will be sad to hear about this when he returns. May God be with you all at this time and just remember all the good ...
SANDRA MASON
October 15, 2008 | HARTSELLE, AL
Conley,thinking of you in time of sorrow. Know that I am thinking of you and your family. We have already been thru this process so I know what you are going thru.
Jeff Turney
October 15, 2008 | Hartselle, AL
