Sara Duncan

Sara Holderbaum Duncan, 84, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at Sunshine Terrace in Logan, Utah. Born on October 4, 1940, in Little Rock, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Helen Poynor and Charles W. Holderbaum. The family would like to thank the compassionate teams at Terrace Grove, Sunshine Terrace, and Sunshine Hospice for their loving care. Sara is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Duncan (Jamie Sanders), and her granddaughter, Chloe Sanders.

Sara graduated as valedictorian from Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth, Texas. A proud graduate of Newcomb College of Tulane University, Sara was a lifelong educator. She began her teaching career in New Orleans, where she taught English and French, but spent the majority of her professional life at Lubbock High School. In the late 1960s, she pioneered a film analysis program in the Lubbock Independent School District, helping students understand cinematic language and encouraging them to create their own films.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she led and participated in both the LEAP and International Baccalaureate English and Literature programs. She was known for bringing literature to life—literally—by hosting acclaimed authors such as Chaim Potok and Carlos Fuentes in her classroom. In 2000, she was named Outstanding Teacher for the State of Texas by Humanities Texas.

Her students, friends, and family will remember her love of both James Dean and Herman Melville, her sense of humor and wit, and her dedication to her classroom. It will come as no surprise to her friends and former students that in her final days she was still talking about her favorite novel, Moby Dick. She was deeply touched by the many notes she received in her later years from former students, sharing memories of her classes and the lasting influence she had on their lives.

For many decades, Sara was a familiar sight in the Tech Terrace neighborhood of Lubbock, often walking her beloved dogs, who brought her great joy. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Cache Humane Society (Logan, Utah) or the South Plains SPCA (Lubbock, Texas). The family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be shared and expressed at www.allenmortuaries.com.