Joyce Shackelford Duncan

Joyce Shackelford Duncan, age 83, of Montgomery passed away Tuesday, June 7, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harold Duncan, and parents, Doris Myers and Joseph (Jake) Shackelford. She is survived by her sister, Joan S. Finley, of Gulf Shores, and four children: Timothy J. Duncan (Karen) of Grady, Kimberley D. Carroll (Curtis) of Montgomery, Pamela Duncan Bye of Montgomery, and Gregory S. Duncan (Jo Ann) of Holtville. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Shaun Duncan (Annie), Patrick Duncan (Hilary), Jerrod Duncan (Brooke), Russell Carroll (Hannah), Jamie Flotte (Ted), Jessica Bader (Eric), Amanda Luiz (Andy), Christina Golden, Kenneth Duncan Blaylock, Justin Stroud, Brianna Duncan (fiancé’ Ethan Lewis), and fourteen great-grandchildren; Birdie Duncan, James and Addelyn Duncan, Eiland, Ellison and Bailey Duncan, Jackson, Lucas and Mason Carroll, Baby Flotte, Mary Charles and Lottie Bader, Drew Luiz and Blakely Golden Warn. She will be missed by numerous cousins, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. Her faithful and loving fur baby, Prissy, brought her much joy and companionship.

Joyce was born in Montgomery and met the love of her life at age 13, later marrying him at age 18 in June of 1957. The couple celebrated 51 years together until James’ passing in June 2008. They shared the love of Lake Jordan; building a second home there, which brought many years of happiness; camping, fishing, boating, relaxing, entertaining, and spending time with family and friends. For too many years to count, they enjoyed annual beach trips to the Sea Star together with family, and with friends, old and new. They loved their children and grandchildren, and showed that love through sacrifice and commitment.

Joyce was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. Once she began working outside the home, she held various administrative positions early in her career with different organizations and later with the Veterans Administration Hospital in Montgomery. There she rose through the administrative ranks to become administrative assistant to the Director of the VA. While in that position in 1976, she was awarded a VA scholarship to Troy University Montgomery to study nursing at the age of 37. Joyce excelled, and completed her 2-year associate nursing degree with honors in May 1978, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 1983. Her compassion, and high standards of care for countless veterans reflected her love for the profession and her country. Joyce’s love of nursing inspired many young women to pursue careers in healthcare. Joyce retired from nursing in March 1996.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and friend to many, and always kept an open door for the kids in the neighborhood. Many consider her to be a second mom to this day. Her grandchildren called her “Nanmama” and her lap was always open for rocking, feeding, reading, hugs, chatting, and scratching backs and legs, no matter the age. She had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren, and she worked to instill good moral values and work ethic in them, as she did with her own children. Joyce was a member of Heritage Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel with a graveside service to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery. Her nephew, Charles Dickey, will officiate. Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Shaun, Patrick and Jerrod Duncan, Russell Carroll, Justin Stroud, and Kenneth Duncan Blaylock. Honorary Pallbearers will be her great-grandsons; Jackson, Lucas and Mason Carroll and James Duncan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heritage Baptist Church Senior Adult Ministry, 1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 or the Montgomery Humane Society, 1150 John Overton Drive, Montgomery, AL 36110. The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, support and words of encouragement.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Leak-MC.com for the Duncan family.