Jean Duncan

Jean Auten Duncan, affectionately known as "Nene," passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, at the age of 87. She was born on April 29, 1938, in Baltimore, Maryland.

Nene spent the majority of her life in Harford County, Maryland, where she worked for the Air National Guard and then for the U.S. Government at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, retiring as a paralegal after 25 years.

After her retirement, Nene embraced a new chapter in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she loved to play golf and became a part-time real estate agent. While it was difficult to leave her friends and church, she eventually relocated to Whispering Pines, North Carolina, to be closer to family.

Nene was a woman of some talents and many opinions, and she never hesitated to share either. She enjoyed playing golf, watching golf, all things golf, gardening, reading, going to craft shows, and watching Hallmark movies. While she didn't really like to cook, she loved to eat; some of her favorites were French toast, burritos, angel hair pasta with white clam sauce, and pretty much anything that someone else made. She was always dressed to the nines, you couldn't miss her in her signature turtleneck.

She is now reunited in heaven with her husband of 37 years, Terrence T. Duncan; her parents, John Hawkins Auten and Lillian Ruth (Staples) Auten, and her brother, John P. Auten.

Nene leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory: her daughters, Marybeth Lee Froh (Walter) and Heather Elinor Sheldrake (David); her grandchildren, Dillon Ray, Meagan Marie Nation and Hailey Elizabeth Sheldrake; her great-grandchildren, Brinley Mae Nation, Raelyn Maci Nation and Nolan Aaron Ray; her sister, R. Eleanor Goldberg; her nieces Nena Menscer, Katherine Erwin, and Kimberlea Johnson; her nephews Douglas Auten, Gary Auten, Ronald (Butch) Goldberg, and Steven Goldberg; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held at this time. Nene will be remembered as a dedicated mother, a sweet soul, and a steadfast individual whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Coastal Cremations of Jacksonville is serving the family.