Pamela Jeanne Duncan

Born on August 10, 1950, in Channelview, Texas, Pam was the beloved daughter of Reverend John and Geraldine Heaton. She spent her childhood in the halls of Memorial Baptist Church, where her father pastored, alongside her cherished sister and best friend, Deborah Heaton McElvaney.

A proud graduate of Channelview High School, Class of 1968, Pam quickly began the next chapter of her life at Stephen F. Austin State University. It was there she met the love of her life, Larry Duncan. The two married on December 19, 1969, and began a journey marked by love, family, deep faith, and laughter.

Pam earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1971, followed by a Master’s in Education in 1973. While completing her graduate studies, she taught in the Human Development department at SFA and remained active in campus ministry through the Baptist Student Union. She was honored as a charter alumnae member of Phi Upsilon Omicron, the national honorary fraternity for home economics. In 1973, Pam was invited to begin doctoral studies at Texas Woman’s University, focusing on Human Development, and also worked in pre-kindergarten at Christ Episcopal School. While education was the hallmark of her life, she felt the pull to take a step back and fulfill her ultimate dream, that of a family.

In 1975, Pam took on her most treasured role—that of a mother. She joyfully embraced life as a stay-at-home mom, known for organizing garage picnics, messy crafts, and cheering on her children at countless sports events.

When her children reached early elementary school, her return to the workforce began at Fredonia Hill Baptist Academy and then to the role of Head Teacher in the Infant Lab at SFA. But in 1988, Pam stepped into her calling—as the beloved 6th grade teacher at Central Heights Elementary. Known affectionately as “Mrs. Duncan,” she was adored by students for her engaging lessons on Greek mythology (often dressed as Arachne), hand-crafted Christmas wreaths, study of Island of the Blue Dolphins, and a desk always stocked with Fireball candies, and most of all, her infectious smile. It was well known that you could track exactly where Mrs. Duncan was in the hallways by her laughter.

Pam later transitioned to serve as a Title 1 Reading Recovery teacher at Central Heights, training at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and specializing in dyslexia screening. After retiring in 2004, she and dear friend Ann Callaway launched The Reading Place—a tutoring and assessment center focused on early reading intervention and literacy success. Once again, she took her love of teaching and learning and created a special place for children to learn.

In 2008, Pam returned to her educational roots once more, teaching in the Child and Family Development Department at Angelina College, where she mentored future educators with passion and decades of experience. Her free time through those years was spent with her grandchildren. The infamous Yogi Bear trips and the annual girls' trips became the highlight of the Duncan family life.

After her final retirement in 2015, Pam and Larry moved to Madison, Mississippi, where they enjoyed porch time, golf (for Larry), and most importantly—time with their grandchildren. Nothing brought Pam more joy than being “Mimi,” with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered around her, in her lap, book in hand. There was never a moment when their home wasn't filled with tiny voices of laughter, jelly toast, and endless golf cart rides.

Pam was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry Neil Duncan, and her parents, John J. and Geraldine Ruth Heaton. What an amazing reunion took place on June 24th!

She is survived by her loving children: son Lance Edward Duncan of Austin, Tx, daughter Courtney Leigh Williams and husband Dustin of Madison, Ms and daughter Amy Meredith Duncan of Madison, Ms.

Cherished grandchildren: Slayton Scott Duncan, and wife Samantha of Madison, Ms, Cameron Parker Duncan of Madison, Ms, Kennedy Grace Duncan of Oxford, Ms, Kyra Leigh Mardis of Madison Ms, Kendell O'Neal Mardis of Timpson, Tx, Asher Elijah Williams of Madison, Ms, Harbor Jude Williams of Madison, Ms, and Emerick Uriah Williams of Madison, Ms.

Beloved great-grandchildren: Emmorie Dawn Duncan, Eleanor May Duncan, and Aleyah Tru Fortenberry.

Devoted sister: Deborah McElvaney and husband Doyle of Missouri City, Tx.

Also survived by: sister-in-law Mary Servin and husband Moses of Nacogdoches, Tx, brother-in-law Ken Duncan of Nacogdoches, Tx, beloved nieces and nephews Leslee Anderson and husband Joseph of Friendswood, Tx, Gracie Anderson and Heaton Anderson of Friendswood, Tx, Patricia Marshall of Nacogdoches, Tx, Glen Dudley and wife Angie of Nacogdoches, Tx, and Rowdy Duncan of Nacogdoches, Tx.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 10am at Northwood Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Northwood Baptist Church.

Mimi's life was a testament to love, learning, and legacy. Her compassion, her devotion to family and students alike, and her deep faith leave a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She stood at her post, prayed over her home, and anointed the doorways. She was the gatekeeper, the watchtower, the teacher.

"She built me up

like a mountain at sunrise

And painted my sky

with gentle hands.

and when she told me

I could be anything, I believed her

Because I saw how much I could grow

Even with a little of her light."