Patricia "Trish" Ann Jones Duncan, a fifth generation Floridian whose smile lit every room she entered, died peacefully in Orlando at home on January 19, 2021. She was 92 years of age. Born February 15, 1928, in Sanford, Florida, to the late Dr. Thee Allan and Norma Griffin Jones, Mrs. Duncan spent her childhood in Miami Beach, attending Miss Harris' Florida School. A favorite memory was taking the train to Boston to watch her uncle, Ben Cantwell, pitch for the Boston Braves. Her father's pediatric practice brought the family to Orlando in 1941 where she met her future husband, Buell Gard Duncan Jr., at the age of 14. On dates, he peddled her on the handlebars of his bicycle to the Beacham Theatre. Both cheered for Orlando High School's cheer team before she attended Florida State University. Mrs. Duncan loved her Chi-Omega Sorority where life time friendships were made. Following college, Mrs. Duncan taught fifth grade at Concord Park Elementary School, before marrying Duncan at St. Luke's Episcopal Cathedral on March 25, 1952. "It Had to be You" was their song.
The newlyweds briefly moved to Houston, Texas, where Duncan was stationed before returning to Orlando in 1953. Mrs. Duncan was active in the PTAs of her four children and chief counselor to her husband as he rose in the banking world from bank teller to CEO of SunTrust Banks of Florida. He attributed any success he had to her.
Mrs. Duncan's cheerful, unassuming personality saw her never meet a stranger as she cheered on and refreshed the hearts of many. She was as comfortable at black-tie fundraisers as she was manning the PTA carnival booth at Kaley Elementary School. A proud Floridian, she enjoyed researching the history of the Florida pioneers in her family. The Florida of her youth was one of orange groves, undeveloped beaches and front-porch visiting. Her paternal grandmother, Minnie Evans Jones, ran a boarding house in Sanford while her paternal grandfather, Charlie Griffin, owned a grocery store in Kissimmee.
Mrs. Duncan was active in the Orange County Historical Society, chairing the restoration project for the Harry P. Leu home in Leu Gardens. She was a member of the Rosalind Club, Junior League, and a founder of the University of Central Florida's Town and Gown Council. She enjoyed tennis at the Orlando Country Club, working on book reports at Joann Dyer's book club and spoiling her grandchildren.
She and her husband were active members of St. Michael's Episcopal Church where she was president of the Episcopal Church Women and taught Sunday School.
Upon retirement, the couple built a summer home in the Great Smoky Mountains to be near what was dearest to their heart, family. They also enjoyed days with family and friends in Ormond Beach.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Buell and brother, Thee Allan Jones IV.
Mrs. Duncan is survived by her four children: Buell (Tracy) Duncan, Bebe (Lon) Gillooly, Allan (Kevin) Duncan-Huffman, and Nancy (David) Bryan, her 13 grandchildren: Jon, Bo, Nancy, Bethany, Collins, Tricia, Anna, Duncan, Beau, Annabelle, Christian, Maddie, and Isabel; seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Baldwin-Fairchild is in charge of arrangements.
Due to the pandemic, a graveside service will be held for the immediate family at Greenwood Cemetery on Sunday, January 24, 2021. In lieu of flowers and honor of her life, you may give to Eagle Rock Christian Retreat Center, P.O. Box 5405 Maryville TN 37802 or St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2499 N. Westmoreland Dr, Orlando, FL 32804.
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