Betty Jo Duncan

Betty Jo English Duncan passed away in the early morning hours of August 22, 2015. Betty was born on August 10, 1937 in Converse, Louisiana, the second daughter of Albert Doyle English and Jo Betty Henderson English. She will be remembered for her love of nature, her acerbic wit, and an approach to life that conveyed her intent to live it to the fullest. To be closer to family, Betty moved to Dallas in 1972 and began a career in the medical field. She began working for the medical practice of J.M. Naftalis, M.D. in 1974 and touched the lives of many patients and their families. Betty’s position as Office Manager and Nurse for Dr. Naftalis spanned 41 years. He and his patients depended on her for her exemplary nursing abilities, dedication and deep connection to the patients and keen, unparalleled wit. She was “Aunt Betty” to Dr. Naftalis’ children and grandchildren. A farm girl at heart, Betty’s love of nature was evident in every part of her life away from work. She loved to hunt and fish with her partner of 35 years, Peggy Seale, spending many hours in a boat or deer stand during visits home to Shelby County, Tx. or Peggy’s family farm. Her garden, though small, was another expression of the joy she found in nature, every bloom a testament to the pride she took in all things she laid her hand to. Later in life, Betty and her sister Ruth became world travelling companions, enjoying the contrast between being raised on a farm in rural East Texas and being able to stand at the foot of the Parthenon as adults. Her mother Jo Betty Henderson English, her son Richard Marcel Duncan, her father Albert Doyle English, her sister Una Ruth English Shaw and her best friend, Peggy Seale, all preceded Betty in death. She is survived by niece Claire Denise Shaw, nephews Timothy Warren and Bryant Doyle Shaw. Betty’s sensitivity and fondness for children had her donate the majority of her estate to The Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. Any donations can be made to Scottish Rite or St. Judes Hospital. A celebration of Betty’s life will be Saturday, August 29th from 10:00 am-12:00 in the L.N. “Bill” Sparkman Family Lounge at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 West Northwest Highway, Dallas TX.