Darlene Cecile Duncan

Our beloved mother, Darlene Cecile Duncan, passed away on December 11th, 2025, in Ashland City, TN, surrounded by her loving family. She leaves behind her daughter Dana Garrett and son-in-law Cleveland Garrett, her sons Steven Duncan and Brian Duncan, and her daughters-in-law Tawonga Duncan and Sandy Duncan, grandchildren, Peyton Biggs, Kaylee Biggs, Jackson Garrett, Jase Garrett, Natalie Duncan, Zoe Duncan, Kyle Duncan, Zariah Duncan, Orion Duncan, Bryton Duncan, and Brielle Duncan, great grandchild, Lilah June Biggs, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Raymond Cannon, II. and Hazel Cannon Miles, brother, Raymond David Cannon, III. We already feel the space her voice used to fill.

Born on January 11th, 1956, in Nashville, TN, Darlene grew up with a natural sense of adventure and optimism. Those traits stayed with her for life and shaped the way she loved, taught, and cheered for everyone around her.

She was resilient, kind, generous, honest, and forever optimistic, qualities we saw in every choice she made. Her one-sentence summary said it best: an outgoing, loving, and adventurous mother who looked at life with resilience and optimism.

Darlene cheered loudest for the UT Vols and the Tennessee Titans, tracking every play with the same focus she gave to her family. Music was her heartbeat; a lifelong Beatles fan, she kept singing their songs, especially anything by Sir Paul McCartney, right up to her final days.

She and her lifelong best friend, Sharon, never missed a chance to catch a Beatles concert or plan a getaway together. Panama City Beach or the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge were some of her favorite getaways with family and friends. Open-minded and loving toward every new person and experience, she still spoke her mind when she had something to say.

The kitchen was Darlene's favorite gathering spot, and her recipes drew all of us home. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas the house was filled with the smell of her cooking, strings of popcorn and cranberries, and the promise of seconds.

She made Halloween magic too, turning the house into the neighborhood's highlight. She never missed a birthday, card, graduation, sports game, school play, or award ceremony, always in the front row cheering.

When she stepped outside, you would find her tending flower beds that bloomed under her green thumb or sharing quiet moments with squirrels and songbirds. Her kitty, Callie, was never far from her, the perfect companion for long afternoons.

We say goodbye for now, grateful for every song she sang, every meal she cooked, and every honest word she shared. We will carry her optimism forward and keep a seat ready at the holiday table, just the way she liked it.

Arrangements entrusted to Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, 615-865-1101, https://www.springhillfh.com.