Martha Sue Duncan's Obituary
Born November 2, 1936, to Pearline Pressley Tyson and Thomas Leo Tyson, in the Bakers community of Union County, Martha T. Duncan found her eternal peace on September 16, 2014 and left an earthly life well-lived.
Martha and her surviving sisters Frances Davis (Donald), Millie McNeely (Richard), and Tommie Wall (Sam) grew up on Goldmine Road, singing the old-time hymns and listening to the Grand Ole Opry at Grandma Ella Tyson's and Aunt Lessie Watkins' house with their beloved cousins, Dwight, Bill, and Sam Watkins.
A graduate of Wesley Chapel High School, class of '54, and of King's College, Martha worked at Hudson Hosiery as a keypunch operator and later at Williams Supply in Monroe. Lifelong friends, Pete and Hazel Williams, introduced her to her husband, Grant Duncan (Jr.) who preceded her in death in 1991. Their two children, Jim Duncan (James Grant Duncan, III) and Susan Conrad (Peter) are blessed to have been given the life gift of a loving and devoted mother.
Martha dedicated herself to home and family for many years. Her constant attention as an officer and bookkeeper for the family business, Duncan Construction Company, has been instrumental in its success and longevity. She participated in the Fairview Home Extension Club, Girls Scouts, and was a member of Eastern Star Ch #113.
In the 70s, she returned to the professional world to be the school secretary at her alma mater, Wesley Chapel Elementary School. For many years, she was the friendly office lady to children, school staff and parents. She always loved and treasured her school friends who shared in life's joys and sorrows. While working for Union County Schools, she was active in the North Carolina Educational Office Personnel organization and the Professional Secretaries Association. At her retirement in 1997, she was honored by having a whole school day declared, "Mrs. Duncan Day."
Ms. Martha became "Gramie" to her first two grandchildren, Mariamarta Conrad, Esq. and Lt. Jg Simón Conrad, USN. Gramie loved the drive with them to school at Wesley Chapel and has always supported and encouraged them to succeed in their professions. She was very proud, too, of her special nephew, Dr. Daniel Thomas Davis.
In her retirement, Mrs. Martha stayed at her home in Fairview dedicating herself, once again, to family. She welcomed a sweet daughter-in-law, Kelli Penegar Duncan, and then was blessed to be "Meme" to three more grandchildren: Grant, Katherine and Karoline. Mrs. Martha also joyfully welcomed Simon's wife, Cristin McClanahan, into her circle of beloved family.
An avid reader, cookbook collector, traveler, and shopper, Martha's special hobbies included watching television cooking shows and spending time at the beach house, especially with family members. Her school friends introduced her to Mr. L.C. Hudson, who was a dear companion to her until his death in 2002. She loved to share time with family, old friends and newfound friends, and, in the last few years, she enjoyed keeping in touch with her friends and family and reading her books on her iPad.
A celebration of the life of Martha Sue Tyson Duncan will be held at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 7608 Concord Highway, Monroe, NC 28110, on Friday, September 19, 2014. Family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. with the service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be immediately following the service at Bethlehem Presbyterian cemetery.
Following the commital service, a reception will be held in the church Fellowship Hall.
Memorials may be made to a charity of a donor's choice.
Davis Funeral Service is handling the arrangements for Mrs. Duncan. An online guest register is available at www.davisfuneralservice.com
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