Marie Duncan

Marie Barrett Duncan passed away peacefully on May 21, 2015 in her home in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by her children. She was 102 years old. Marie was born in 1913 in Mt. Pleasant, Texas to Richard and Ethel Barrett, who owned a popular cafe in town. Until she was 4 years old, Marie (the youngest of 4 siblings) simply went by the name Baby, at which time she insisted her parents either give her a name or let her choose her own. She chose Marie.

At age 19 Marie was married briefly and gave birth to a son, Newell Franklin Oler, soon afterward leaving Mt. Pleasant to study the latest forms of communication at the Western Union school in Tyler. In 1939, Marie met the love of her life, Gordon Duncan, and the two were married soon afterward. Twin sons Tracy and Alan were born prematurely and died shortly after birth and were followed by daughters Dorinda and Christina and sons Gordon and Dana.

Gordon joined the Army Air Force in 1939 and remained in the Air Force following WW II. While a military wife for nearly three decades, Marie had the opportunity to live in nine different locations throughout the U.S. and overseas. Marie and Gordon retired to Orlando in 1972. Sadly, Gordon became ill and during his illness Marie moved them from Orlando to Dallas in 1975 (her last of many moves!) to be closer to extended family.

Marie was a devoted wife and attendant to Gordon in his career, happily executing the duties of a ranking officer’s wife at each Air Force base to which they were assigned. Marie was true to her Christian faith throughout her life. She was a great Mom. While acknowledging humorously that she was not a great cook, she did master some fabulous specialty dishes for each kid's birthday. Her oatmeal cookies were legendary, the recipe still a family secret. She was an avid reader of history and excelled at any job she took when Gordon was away on often long assignments. She conscientiously cared as best she could for her mother, two brothers, and sister throughout her life and for her husband during his decline with Alzheimer’s. She will be greatly missed.

Marie is preceded in death by her father, mother, brothers Newell and Urda, sister Arrie, first born son Newell Franklin (Oler) and twin sons. She is survived by her children Dorinda, Christina, Gordon and Dana, as well as grandchildren Ryan Duncan, Emily Breeland, Gena Duncan, Susan Duncan, and Stephen Duncan, and her great grandchildren whom she was blessed to know given her long life

Marie was laid to rest next to Gordon at Sparkman Hillcrest cemetery in Dallas, Texas.