Catherine “Cathy” Alford Duncan

A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Cathy was born on May 27, 1953 to The Honorable and Mrs. Dallas L. Alford, Jr. The youngest of four, Cathy adored her siblings – and affectionately nicknamed “Shorty,” she looked up to them both figuratively and literally. She remained close with her beloved “Rocky Mount Girls” – including some friendships of nearly 70 years.

Cathy graduated from Vardell Hall high school in 1971. She met many dear friends there and attended reunions whenever possible. She attended Stratford College before transferring to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology. As a college student she spent one summer in Europe, working in Innsbruck, Austria during the week and traveling around the continent on weekends.

She also met her husband, Homer, in Chapel Hill. They were married on November 20, 1976. Although Homer never forgot that Cathy planned their wedding on the same day as the UNC vs Duke football game, they spent fifty years together until his death in 2025. He always said he never stopped dating his “Baby Doll.”

Cathy worked for the NC Community College System and pursued one year towards her Masters of Social Work. With one baby at home and another on the way, she decided to leave the workforce and her masters program to focus on being a mother.

Cathy’s strong Christian faith shined through her passion for service and volunteering. Over the years, she volunteered significant portions of time to the Cary Jaycettes, Christian Community in Action/Dorcas Ministries (now NeighborUp), the public schools her daughters attended, and various programs through First United Methodist Church including Mighty Mondays after school program, the youth ministry, and as a server in the church booth at the NC State Fair. With a true servant’s heart, Cathy always did her work cheerfully and joyfully. Her example taught her daughters and grandchildren the importance of serving others, not for recognition or to “earn” a spot in Heaven, but to help those in need whenever and however you are able.

Cathy was a very devoted mother, always with an encouraging word or funny joke to make her family laugh. Despite the fact that she hated cooking, she lovingly cooked dinner for her family every weeknight. She drove her daughters across the Triangle for various appointments, practices, and lessons. She was always willing to give one of their friends or teammates a ride, no matter how far away they lived.

Most importantly, Cathy ensured her children were involved at church so that they could build their own faiths. Until her last days, she continued to pray daily for her family and loved ones. For many years she enjoyed being a member of the Seekers Bible study group. Her reliance on Jesus enabled Cathy to face challenges with strength, grace, and a positive outlook.

An avid walker, for decades Cathy walked between 4-6 miles daily. Cathy loved music and was always ready to sing and dance, whether at a live performance or just at home in the kitchen. She was a talented pianist and had a beautiful singing voice. She also loved animals, especially her kitty cats.

Cathy truly never met a stranger and had many friends across all areas of her life. She was always sure to send a card, give a ride, or make a meal for a friend in need.

In addition to her parents, Cathy is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Homer Duncan, Jr., brother, Dallas L. Alford, III, and sister, Margarette Rivenbark.

Cathy is survived by daughters Margarette Harris of Cary, Marie Otto (Jason) of Raleigh, and Meredith Khullar (Sid) of Cincinnati, OH as well as granddaughters Catherine Grace and Caroline Harris and grandsons Elijah Harris and Duncan Otto. She is also survived by her brother, Ben Alford (Marcia) of New Bern, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved dearly.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Alice Momyani and team for their loving and compassionate care as well as the staff at The Blair Memory Care, Atria Cary, WakeMed Hospital, and Transitions LifeCare.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Cary, Christian Community in Action/Dorcas Ministries (now NeighborUp), and Transitions LifeCare.

A memorial service will be held 11am Friday, August 21, 2026 at First United Methodist Church of Cary. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.