Pauline Duncan

"I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and Earth!" Psalms 121 was one of the Bible verses Pauline Duncan, 52, of Pittsburgh lived by and one that guided her until her death on Saturday, November 1, 2025. She was born in Washington February 18, 1973, the youngest daughter of the late James E. Diggs and Queen Esther Duncan. Pauline grew up in Marianna, and was a 1991 graduate of Bethlehem Center High School. During childhood, she immersed in dance and acquired her signature adventurous spirit that many have come to love and admire. Pauline graduated from Point Park University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. While at Point Park, she was involved with various student-life activities on campus, including dance clubs, the Black Student Union, and helping international students adjust to college life in Pittsburgh. After graduation, she immediately started her professional career, which involved helping others through Traveler's Aide of Pittsburgh, and eventually with Children Youth and Families of Allegheny County. In 1996, she embarked on the most meaningful and important journey of motherhood with the birth of her daughter, Sahara. In 2000, she began working at the American Red Cross, where she devoted 25 years to helping others through various roles, including assisting families displaced by fires and natural disasters, and distributing free smoke detectors to families in need. In her most recent American Red Cross position as the regional service manager to the U.S. Armed Forces and International Services, she helped reconnect military families during crises and provided other beneficial services to veterans and their families. She was also an inspiration and mentor to many people personally and professionally, and always put God and others first. She was a member of various service clubs and social activities, such as fundraisers for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and attending Cancer Bridges and Nubian Voices group events. If she wasn't traveling or laying on a warm island beach, Pauline enjoyed line dancing, flamenco dancing, Pittsburgh's sports teams, working local election polls, live music, journaling, and being a movie extra (she and her brother, Paul, were in the movie, "Extreme Measures"). Above all, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and attending family activities, such as traveling with Sahara and cheering on her nieces and nephews at sporting events. Pauline was a member of Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, where she served as an usher and on the stewardship team. In 2021 at the church, she was baptized again as a recommitment to her faith and spiritual journey. She is survived by her daughter, Sahara Duncan of Pittsburgh; siblings, Carol Duncan of Mesa, Ariz., Esther Duncan of Pittsburgh, Gary A. Duncan of Dunlevy, Joseph Duncan of Mesa, Ariz., Kenneth (Elena) Duncan of San Diego, Calif.; sister-in-law, Desa Duncan of Killeen, Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews, including Cynthia Duncan, Anita Morgan, Terri Morgan, Natasha Morgan, Tonya Mitchell, Etlena Duncan, Christopher (Keisha) Duncan, Howard Duncan Jr., Tanesha Duncan, Trenton Mitchell; plus a host of great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as her sister, Katrina Duncan; brothers, Howard Eugene Duncan, and twin, Paul Duncan. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when funeral services will be held, Wednesday, November 12, in the Nichol Funeral Home, 1873 East Maiden Street, Washington, with Pastor Mark S. Tookes officiating. Interment will follow in Horn Cemetery in Marianna. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 13, in Macedonia Church of Pittsburgh, 2225 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Condolences may be left for the family at www.nicholfuneralhome.com This Bible verse below summarizes Pauline's brave cancer fight, triumphant spirit, resilience in the face of adversity and resounding commitment to her faith. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me-the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)