ForeverMissed
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Mrs. Margaret Booker Johnson Duncan, educator in the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 60 years, passed at age 100 on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona.   

Please join us at her Memorial service:

DATE:
     Sabbath March 23, 2013
TIME:      2:30 p.m.
PLACE:   Camelback SDA Church
                 5902 E. Camelback Rd
                 Phoenix, AZ 85018
                 480.947.3781 (main)
                 www.camelbackchurch.net

Memorial Gifts
        The family request that Mrs. Duncan be honored by supporting Pine Forge Academy’s Paul Jones Center, which will house the new library named in her honor. 

To contribute:
On-line:
          Go to “Donors and Friends” at www.pfafoundation.org
          All gifts on-line will receive an immediate receipt.
 By Check:
 
         Make checks payable to Pine Forge Academy Foundation or PFAF 
          Please note your designation in the memo section or a note accompanying
          your check or money order.

                     

                                               






January 22
January 22
Momma Duncan and my mom will be forever the two most remarkable and influential women ever in my life. I cannot describe how much I miss her right now. Her passing ended an era.
October 7, 2020
October 7, 2020
Today, i received remembering messages from several love ones who expressed affection for our Mother Duncan. She lived 100 plus years, but still gone too soon--now 8 years. Sometimes I miss her so much, my eyes ache trying to withhold tears. Other times, I'm smiling or laughing remembering her antics & quick wit. So thankful for her life and the blessed Hope.
October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
Mom, during your 100 + years, you were the light of love in our lives. And your light continues to guide us every day. Your birthday, reminds us of all the celebrations we shared. We'll miss you forever. 
January 22, 2019
January 22, 2019
This morning's reading "Jesus Calling: Morning & Evening," cited Mother Duncan's favorite text, Proverbs 3: 5, 6:
 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
  understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy
  paths."
Deeply grateful that our mother Duncan lived these words; giving Billy,
her grand and great grandchildren encouragement when faced with life's
challenges. We continually feel her spirit of love and faith inspiring our lives. 
Mother Duncan, we miss you so much!!
January 22, 2019
January 22, 2019
Thought about often, missed all the time.......
October 13, 2018
October 13, 2018
Forever in my heart. Your kindness and love helps to sustain me in life.
October 7, 2018
October 7, 2018
Mother Duncan (aka GGMom named by great grandchildren) continues to touch our lives as we tend to her vegetable garden, read from the 2000 books she catalogued in our home library, draw from her spiritual guidance in challenging hours, and so much more. Mom, six years later we continue to feel your gentle spirit dwelling in our home. Although you will not be present to witness Billy receiving the 2018 MIHS "Physician of Excellence Award", we will feel your presence. Love you so much!
October 17, 2017
October 17, 2017
Gone not never forgotten i see your picture on my wall everyday and you will always be in my heart.
October 8, 2017
October 8, 2017
Mom, you would have been 105 today (technically yesterday). You've been gone four years and I still sorely miss you. Wish you were here to see your great granddaughter, Asia, attend Pine Forge Academy & use the library which you built. Eternally loving you,
Leanor, your daughter-in-love  ❤️❤️
January 22, 2017
January 22, 2017
Missing Mother Duncan today, the 4th anniversary of her passing. But then I miss her every day. I'm now in our home library surrounded by the 2000+ books she cataloged with the Dewey system. She loved order. This morning I picked produce from the garden plot she established decades ago. As a witness to our pledge to honor her green-thumb legacy, we harvested an 11" x 8" x 11" eggplant. Every day there is something to remind me of her wit, humor, effortlessly reciting the writings of great English writers to illuminate the most mundane situations, love for advancing educational experiences for her children, grandchildren, great grand, & others, her devotion to God's work, willingness to discuss the most delicate church issues, her delight when preparing meals for company, and the 'missing' goes on and on. So, thankful for her life and the blessed Hope.

Leanor Boulin Johnson
January 22, 2016
January 22, 2016
Always remembering this amazing woman! She will forever be missed until someday when we're all in Heaven laughing with her, again!
October 7, 2015
October 7, 2015
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Miss Margaret! You're very much missed! xoxoxoxoxox
January 22, 2015
January 22, 2015
I still think about this wonderful woman quite often! She was and always will be special to me!
October 7, 2014
October 7, 2014
Still missing this wonderful lady after all this time! I find myself telling stories about her quite often and remembering her charm, wit, grace and craziness all at the same time! Thank you to her family for bringing me into her life and experiencing her amazing personality! Love to all!!
October 7, 2014
October 7, 2014
Mrs. Duncan was first my teacher, my librarian , my administrator and then my friend. I will never forget the laughing times we had together. She encouraged you to do more than you thought possible but she never lauded her own accomplishments. I remeber her visit back to Pine Forge when I was Headmaster. I rode all over PA to find a slip cover for the chair in the library because I could NOT let Mrs. Duncan come into the library and see a dirty chair. LOL I will always fondly remeber our last visit together in her home in Scottsdale, great conversation, showing me the home library (her work), sharing pictures, good food and walking down memory lane. She will always be missed.
January 23, 2014
January 23, 2014
As we approach Black History Month it is with the recognition that mother Duncan was instrumental in being an amazingly wonderful representative of the African/American community. Because of her educational status, her Christian commitment, and her persona she did more than can be imagined to uplift those around her. Here at Camelback which was her church for quite a few years she was loved and revered. We still miss her and the positive influence she had.
January 22, 2014
January 22, 2014
Thinking of Margaret brings many special memories to my mind and renewed sorrow at her passing. She touched so many lives and left each one the better for it. I shall always think of her with deep affection and great respect. My heart goes out to her family and many friends on this anniversary of losing her. May God be with you all.
October 7, 2013
October 7, 2013
I became a librarian and am a library director today because of her tremendous support and encouragement. I would never have done it without her!
October 7, 2013
October 7, 2013
I can't believe that it has been one year already since we celebrated Mother Duncan's 100th birthday. I am so happy that the Lord blessed her with such a long life. She had such a beautiful heart and was able to touch thousands, who will follow her example by being a blessing to others. What an awesome legacy she left!
March 22, 2013
March 22, 2013
Margaret Duncan was a remarkable woman: dedicated, responsible, courageous, fun, exacting, innovative, inspiring, loving, persevering, influential, open to new ideas & technologies, a consummate professional librarian & mentor —I could go on & on. I am grateful that I had the opportunity & pleasure to know & work with her in the library at CUC, and she will live forever in my memory.
March 22, 2013
March 22, 2013
May God welcome Mrs Duncan to his heavenly home and give her everlasting life. May we all remember the life she lived, the love she gave and known that she is at peace. We thank God for her life.She will always be remembered.
The McCoy family.
March 22, 2013
March 22, 2013
Mrs. Duncan was an inspiration and role model to us during our time at Pine Forge. Our prayers are with her family. She will be forever missed.

Dorothy and Janet Corley
March 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
Mrs. Duncan was a major professional mentor and then my friend. She taught my very first class in librarianship at CUC(now WAU); ensured that my work was no less than perfect; and then followed and nurtured my career - always excited to know about any accomplishments. Her own accomplishments, her wide influence, total dedication to PFA; her smile; her youthfulness, are great memories!!
March 21, 2013
March 21, 2013
Mrs. Duncan was one who encouraged students to be high achievers and was always concerned about proper usage of the library at the "Pines". She was my teacher and librarian in the old school (1950-1953), She returned to the "Pines" to upgrade the library; we also returned in 1977. My husband was business manager and I was the school nurse. She was a real blessing to the school!
March 16, 2013
March 16, 2013
Margaret Duncan.....what an amazing woman and I am honored to have known her for the last year and a half of her life. It was a pleasure spending time with her and taking care of her. What an inspiration she was to everyone who touched her life. God bless you, Margaret and your entire family. I will miss you, Miss Margaret! xoxoxo
March 15, 2013
March 15, 2013
I have wonderful memories of the times we shared with laughter, gardening and cooking. The greatest moments when we had our girly talks over a cup of tea. Warm,friendly and lovely lady with a great smile. Mrs Duncan will be missed but not forgotton. .Thanks for the friendship, love and memories.
March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013
My family and I, have for many years enjoyed the endearing friendship we have had with this beautiful lady, we affectionately called "Mother Duncan". Her wit, and knowledge about current events, her recall with clarity, the many years of her life's experiences were always a blessing. She will be greatly missed.
March 7, 2013
March 7, 2013
I had the privilege of meeting Ms. Duncan once in 2006. I was impressed with her love and care for people, as well as her sharp mind and wit. Mom was often the topic of conversation between Leanor and myself. She was deeply loved. She was a dear soul and the memory of her will be cherished.
March 7, 2013
March 7, 2013
Mama Duncan was my other mother through my brother in law, William,(my sister's husband). We had such great times exercising in the swimming pool, cooking together, talking about everything, sharing jokes, etc. She was so much fun. I always looked forward to going to Arizona to see her and everyone else. I loved her very much and will greatly miss her. She was an outstanding person!
March 7, 2013
March 7, 2013
Mother Duncan, your heart was so big that you made room for me and my family. Your love was felt every time we saw you and your smile never wavered throughout the years, even to the very end. I am so blessed to have shared in your life and to hold a piece of you in my heart and memory.
March 4, 2013
March 4, 2013
Mrs. Duncan will be remembered as a quiet caring teacher and for her commitment to Adventist education. Thank God for her influence.
February 25, 2013
February 25, 2013
My Mom through marriage, my best friend through sharing, my everlasting love pledged to you because you loved our family unconditionally.
February 24, 2013
February 24, 2013
Mother Duncan was my mother who I will forever love and miss. I can't believe she's gone. I love you mom!!!

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Recent Tributes
January 22
January 22
Momma Duncan and my mom will be forever the two most remarkable and influential women ever in my life. I cannot describe how much I miss her right now. Her passing ended an era.
October 7, 2020
October 7, 2020
Today, i received remembering messages from several love ones who expressed affection for our Mother Duncan. She lived 100 plus years, but still gone too soon--now 8 years. Sometimes I miss her so much, my eyes ache trying to withhold tears. Other times, I'm smiling or laughing remembering her antics & quick wit. So thankful for her life and the blessed Hope.
October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
Mom, during your 100 + years, you were the light of love in our lives. And your light continues to guide us every day. Your birthday, reminds us of all the celebrations we shared. We'll miss you forever. 
Recent stories

Letter I wrote to celebrate 100 years of life!

October 7, 2013

“Let your light so shine before men [and women] that they may see your good works and glorify Your Father which is in heaven.”

~Matthew 5:16

September, 2012

                                                                                                            

Dear Mother Duncan,

Oh, how wonderful…..a celebration of living for 100 years!!! You are blessed—and you have blessed so many others during these 36,500 days of living. I know, because I’m one who has been blessed.

Here’s one reason I say it. And I’m guessing it may not be one of the high points in your life, so you may not even remember it, but it’s something that impacted me “for the rest of my life.”

As I was finishing 8th grade and anticipating going to “the big school” I had a bit of fear and trepidation. Moving from a 2-room school house with a total of 26 students in grades 1-8 was daunting to me. I’d done well, but wondered if I could manage a whole “nother” environment.

Being an “off campus” kid, I was allowed to work during the summer, and was hired at none other than “the big school.” I can’t remember my tasks, perhaps I straightened books, swept floors, cleaned out lockers and some such. You rewarded my time in the library, however, by introducing me to a whole series of books: stories of influential women. I read books about Narcissa Whitman (a missionary to Burma), Florence Nightingale (nurse to soldiers), Nelly Bly (can’t remember what she did), Ms Earhart (woman pilot), Clara Barton (who made the US flag), Jane Addams (founder of Hull House), Helen Keller (influential ambassador), Mary McCloud Bethune (educator), Anna Knight & Sojourner Truth (Black Liberators)….and every other biography or autobiography featuring successful women.

As I look back I realize those books so inspired my life because I now reflect what I read. Most of them were single women (or became such as am I), most were industrious (I’ve accomplished much), most had a commitment to humanity, fighting social injustice by helping the hurting and disenfranchised (I’m a social worker). They demonstrated and improved their intellect, modeling excellence and empowering others to do the same (I’ve an earned Ph.D. and am an academician). And most of all, they glorified God witnessing effectively and honoring Him (and that is certainly my continual quest). It is true, by beholding we become changed. Thank you for this exposure!

This is just one reason that one of your many stars in your crown will represent me! Thanks You, thank you, thank you!

Lovingly,

Elizabeth Watson (Ph.D., M.S.W.) AKA Betty Darby

 

Forever Thankful

March 20, 2013

I was honored to be a student at Washington Adventist University (formerly Columbia Union College) and privileged to have Mrs. Margaret Duncan as my Library Science Teacher.  During my time there, I watched her hard at work at the CUC Library and noticed how dedicated she was to her principles and to her class. I was able to observe her better thru my part-time job while a student at CUC.  She was my model in the Library because she was so knowlegeable yet humble.  I do believe that she made such an impression upon me to the point that I chose Library Science as my Minor and Elementary Education as my Major at CUC.  Upon graduation in 1969, I did teach for a year as a 2nd grade teacher at the Dupont Park Adventist Elementary School, Washington, DC.  Upon completion of that year, I decided to return to my other love and obtained my formal education from Univ. of MD, & received my MLS degree in 1976. I spent 41+  years of service as a Library Technician & Librarian at the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, retiring in 2011. I am so thankful for her influence upon my life. I do believe she loved her God, family, her career and young people. She was truly a godly christian womam.  My deepest sympathy to her family.

-- Carolyn W. Thurman, Retired Librarian
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, ARS, National Agricultural Library
 

Always A Scholarly Lady

March 19, 2013

I first remember meeting Mother Duncan when we moved to Pine Forge and I became a student (and the daughter of a new principal!).  Because most of my coursework for the senior year had been completed before I arrived, I didn't get to have any classes from "Mrs. Duncan"; instead, I worked for her in the library.
As a sensitive adolescent in a new place, I wasn't sure what to expect. I found Mother Duncan to be patient and kind to me.  When we would come into the office, there was often some reason to laugh as we talked.  Her humor was disarming and her wit was charming.  I, foolishly, didn't understand the scope of the work and changed my mind about being a librarian because I tired of putting away the same books...everyday!  (Silly me!)

It has been very pleasant to have lasting friendships with all of the family as our children became friends and we have spent time together through the years.

Living to be one hundred is phenomenal!  God had a reason for allowing her to stay with the family so long.  To spend most of the time aware of the surroundings and knowing the people who care for you is not to be taken for granted.  During one of my visits, she took me to her garden.  It became clear that this was a place that gave her lots of joy.  The last time Jimmy and I visited with the family in Arizona, we were amazed and happy to see Mother Duncan looking so well and with a degree of independence. Our memories of her are only happy ones.

We have truly been blessed to know Mother Duncan, and we, as you have expressed, look forward to the return of Jesus.  Reuniting with loved ones will be wonderful.  Though we can not be there with you for the memorial, we send our love to all of you and to your families.

May God continue to give you good memories to strengthen you.

With much love, Jackie and Jimmy

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