Martha Duncan

Martha Ann Duncan, nee Granderson, know as “Aunt Mot,” ‘‘Mot” or “Granny” to her family and many friends, of Kingsland was called to join the Lord on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the age of 82.

Mrs. Duncan was bom August 30, 1941 in Kingsland, Arkansas, to the late Lloyd and Delma (Broach) Granderson. She was the third of four siblings, sharing her parents’ love with older sister Mary Margaret, older brother James Lloyd, and younger sister

Jo.

Martha played basketball for the Kingsland Greyhounds and excelled in all aspects at Kingsland High School. She graduated from Arkansas State Teachers’ College before moving to Gould, Arkansas where she taught high school for four years.

Attracted by an ad in the newspaper, Martha applied for and was accepted to the American Red Cross Overseas Program. Working as a “Donut Dolly” she traveled to Korea, the Philippines, South Vietnam, and Thailand. This diverse experience took her from driving the “ARC Bookmobile” in the Korean Demilitarized Zone to helping wounded troops during the aftermath of the Tet Offensive. Martha was recognized repeatedly during her service and progressed steadily through the organization, leading groups of Red Cross Volunteers in Vietnam and Thailand. She loved experiencing local cultures on the way, exploring street markets in Korea, Igorot villages in the Philippines, and volunteering at a South Vietnamese orphanage.

In 1968, Martha was a twoyear veteran of the Red Cross, just returned from the Philippines and training a new class of Donut Dollies at Fort Benning, Georgia when she met Captain Francis “Frank” Duncan. Whether Frank fell for Martha or Martha fell for Frank, the Department of the Army and the Red Cross ensured their love would blossom, sending them both to Cam Rahn Bay in the Republic of South Vietnam. During this tour, Frank wised up and proposed marriage and Martha accepted. In 1971 they were married in Atlanta, Georgia upon their return from Southeast Asia.

The couple moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Martha earned her Master’s Degree from the University of the Incarnate Word. In 1976, she gave birth to the couple’s only son, Christopher Joseph. During the remainder of Frank’s military career, Martha continued to work as an educator and an advocate for nutrition and women’s issues. Continuing to travel the world, the family moved throughout the United States, Germany, and Korea. Taking the ups-and-downs of military life in stride, Martha effortlessly presided over a household that variously included a dog, cat, several birds (hers), a duck, multiple fish, and an energetic husband and son; all while being a calm and outgoing friend to everyone she encountered. In Korea, Martha would often surprise vendors by haggling in Korean with a proficiency equal to a bom resident of Seoul!

In 1989, Martha once again answered an ad, this time seeking applicants for Department of Defense Dependent Schools (DoDDS). She was selected to teach at Alconbury High School, in Cambridgeshire, England. While at Alconbury, Mrs. Duncan (as she was known) taught Home-Economics and English before her promotion to Guidance Counselor. Repeatedly recognized for outstanding performance she was accepted as a member of the Phi Delta Kappa professional organization. On the strength of her perfomiance in England, Martha was transferred to Zama High School in Japan, serving as a senior guidance counselor. During their time in Japan, Martha and Frank traveled extensively in Asia, including trips to China and Vietnam.

Martha’s professional career culminated in her appointment to a senior civilian position, serving as the vice principal of Hanau and Ramstein Middle Schools in Germany. While in Germany, Martha and Frank traveled extensively, making regular trips to France and going further afield to Egypt, Spain, and other locales. Most importantly, she hosted her granddaughters, Samantha and Alana, for a visit to Germany, spoiling them in the tradition of a German “Oma.”

Martha retired to Kingsland after over 25 years of government service. Frank and Martha continued to travel, visiting friends and family throughout the United States. This gave Martha a chance to dote on her granddaughters and encourage their love of adventure and service. Martha remained active in retirement, in both professional organizations and in the Cleveland County community. She continued to touch lives throughout her time here as she had done throughout the world.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary, and her husband, Major Francis J. Duncan, USA (Retired). Left to cherish her memory are her son, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. and Amy D. Duncan of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and her grandchildren, Samantha J. Duncan and Alana G. Duncan. She will be missed by all and her memory will be cherished.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on April 11,2024 with a funeral mass to follow at Buie Funeral Home in Rison. Father Joseph Marconi will officiate. Interment will be scheduled at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the following charities in Martha’s honor: American Red Cross or the Fisher House Foundation.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome. com.

All are welcome. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870)325-6216.

http://www.buiefuneralhome