Marjorie P Duncan

Marjorie Pearson Duncan, a native Floridian, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026. Margie was born on December 31, 1938, at Orlando General Hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Dot Pearson; her brother, Don; and her beloved husband of 62 years, Jack Duncan, who passed away in 2022. 

Margie grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and visited family in Orlando often. She loved cooking and gardening alongside her grandmother, and fishing—while occasionally getting into mischief—with her kindred spirit, Auntie Edna. She graduated from St. Petersburg High School and attended the University of Florida. During the summer after her freshman year, she worked at Ridgecrest, a camp near Black Mountain, North Carolina, where she met the love of her life, Jack. The two were married on February 6, 1960, at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church in St. Petersburg. They lived in DeLand while Jack completed his degree at Stetson University. After a brief time in Orlando, they returned to DeLand, where they lived for over 50 years. 

Margie devoted her early years in DeLand to raising their three children. She was a fun and adventurous mother who found joy in everyday moments—riding bikes, gardening, and playing in any type of water she could find. When her youngest son started school, she became a substitute teacher and a beloved presence at several elementary schools in DeLand. In 1977, she joined Stetson University as Associate Director in the Baptist Campus Ministry and Church Relations Office. After the retirement of her dear friend and mentor, Charles Granger, she became the Baptist Campus Minister, serving in that role until her retirement in 2010. Margie poured her life into mentoring and loving college students—traveling with them, guiding them, and making a lasting impact on their lives. 

Determined to finish what she started, she pursued her own education one class at a time while continuing her work as BCM Director. At the age of 71, she graduated from Stetson University with a degree in Religious Studies—on the very same day she retired! Margie was a force of determination who set her mind to something and saw it through. 

In retirement, she continued to live a life of service, love, and connection. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her beloved grandchildren at her home on Duncan Trace, and serving her community. She was deeply involved at First Baptist Church of DeLand, where she formed lifelong friendships. Margie and Jack were also instrumental in the founding and growth of New Covenant Baptist Church. Margie lived by her favorite saying: “When you’re feeling sorry for yourself, go help someone else.” These were not just words, but a guiding principle she embodied every day. 

She is survived by her children: Debbie Jerrett (son-in-law, Dennis Jerrett), Brad Duncan (daughter-in-law, Laura), and Brian Duncan (daughter-in-law, Carolyn); grandchildren: Duncan Jerrett (Rachel), Jackson Jerrett (Savanna), Austin Duncan (Kaitlyn), Garth Duncan (Mandi), Jordan Matte (Al), and Marjorie “Maggie” Duncan; great-grandchildren: Emerson Jerrett, Eisley Jerrett, and Oliver Duncan; her sister-in-law, Barbara Pearson; and one very special dog, Norman. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, at 10:00 a.m. at New Covenant Baptist Church, 1350 South Blue Lake Avenue, DeLand. A reception will follow at Allen Hall, Stetson University, 508 North Woodland Boulevard, DeLand. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New Covenant Baptist Church at the following link. https://newcovenantbaptist.net/giving