Dr. Rozell Renee Hill Duncan Ph.D.

Dr. Rozell Renee Hill Duncan, Ph.D., died on Monday, August 15, 2016 in Akron, Ohio at the age of 67. Rozell is survived by her loving husband David Duncan, Ph.D., her daughter Yolanda Duncan, M.D., her son-in- law Allie Wims, Jr., two beautiful granddaughters, Allison and Alexis Wims, her mother, Mrs. Carrie Mae Tatum and her sister, Lalita Duke. She was preceded in death by her father Mr. Clifton Hill, Jr. and her brother Andre Hill. She also left behind a host of friends and extended family. On October 12, 1948, the world welcomed Rozell Renee Hill who was born to Clifton Hill, Jr. and Carrie Mae Paul in Cleveland, Ohio. Rozell was the second of three children. She grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Glenville High School at the age of 17. Rozell was the first in her family to attend and complete college earning a bachelor’s degree from Muskingum College. She went on to earn a B.S. from Akron University. On Sept 5, 1970, Rozell married a neighborhood friend, David Duncan. And so began a marriage that lasted 45 years, 11 months, 15 days, 10 hours, and 5 minutes. On April 8, 1974 they welcomed their only child Yolanda Duncan and moved to Akron, Ohio. Rozell worked at the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services in Akron, Ohio for over 30 years. She started as a social worker and worked her way up to the position of Deputy Director. While working full time as a Deputy Director she also taught part-time at Akron University in the Speech Department. Despite having demanding full time and part-time jobs, Rozell still found the time to be active on several committees, completed a master’s degree at Akron University and completed her Ph.D. at Kent State University. She was a supportive and loving wife and mother. Rozell had many health issues throughout her life, but she never let them stop her. No matter how much pain she was in, she always loved helping others and she loved to travel. After retiring from the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, Rozell started working full time at Kent State University in the Speech- Communication Department. She attained tenure and became a full time Associate Professor. While teaching at Kent State University she became a grandmother. Her passion for teaching came second only to her passion for her family. Rozell and David spent countless hours helping to care for and mentor their grandchildren. Rozell especially, loved traveling with the grandchildren and her daughter, taking multiple trips a year. Even in her final days she wanted to be with her family. Rozell will truly be missed. Funeral Services will be in the Catavolos Funeral Home, Rose Hill Burial Park 3653 West Market St Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 on Saturday 20 August 2016. Friends and family visitation hours are from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with funeral services to follow at 1:00 pm. The burial will start shortly afterwards at the Rose Hill Burial Park.