Elaine Duncan

By Staff
Oct. 12, 2008
Funeral for Elaine Duncan, 86, of Hartselle was Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Decatur with Dr. V. Don Haas officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing.
Burial was in Roselawn Cemetery.
Mrs. Duncan died Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008, at Decatur General Hospital. She was born and grew up in New Orleans, La., and that background was evidenced by her renowned reputation as a wonderful cook, especially of Cajun dishes and her lifelong celebration of New Orleans customs and events. She joyfully welcomed friends and family, expected and unexpected, to join her for special meals and friendship.
A Hartselle resident for more than 50 years, she was dedicated to the youth of her community. While her children were young, she could always be counted on to volunteer for whatever parent activity was needed and they lovingly remember her as everyone’s favorite grammar school room mother. A Cub Scout and later Girl Scout leader, she planned fun, interesting activities which enticed many to join and participate. She was a founding sponsor of Les Amies, a club for teen girls, which continues today.
After her children were grown, she became a member of the Hartselle School Board for 17 years, where she helped create and establish the city of Hartselle School System, all out of her love and dedication to the young people of her community. An active member of First Methodist Church and later First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, she could be counted on to do whatever was needed to support church events, especially if it involved preparing meals or special foods. For many years, she also volunteered with the Morgan County Alliance of the Morgan County Medical Society and helped raise funds for medical school scholarships.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Dr. W. C. Duncan of Hartselle; a son, Conley Duncan and wife Kathy of Decatur; two daughters, Dr. Pam Varner and husband Ed of Birmingham and Phyllis Moore and husband Doug of Decatur; six grandchildren, Stuart Ann Varner, Duncan Varner, Parker Moore, Kristen Baldwin and husband Buck, Christopher Duncan and Selby Duncan; and a great-granddaughter, Ella Ray Baldwin.
Pallbearers were grandsons and sons-in-law.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hartselle School Foundation, Parents and Children Together (P.A.C.T.) program, First Presbyterian Church of Decatur or to the charity of your choice.