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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
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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.
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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.
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