Jennie Deal Duncan

Jennie Deal Duncan, 81, of Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born in Burke County, NC, on November 22, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Wilson Edward Deal and Wilma Pearl Franklin Deal.

Jennie grew up in the Drexel community, graduating from Drexel High School before earning her degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College. Teaching and children were among her greatest passions, and she devoted more than 40 years to Burke County Public Schools, spending most of her career at Valdese Elementary School teaching fourth grade and kindergarten. More than an educator, Jennie was a source of encouragement, kindness, and support to countless students and families throughout her career. Following retirement, she continued to share her gifts by mentoring student teachers and serving as a substitute teacher throughout Burke County. Whether in the classroom or the community, Jennie found joy in helping others and left a lasting impression through her patience, generosity, and quiet strength.

Jennie was a woman of strong faith. She was a longtime member of Drexel First Church of God before becoming a member of Oak Hill United Methodist Church. Throughout her years of church involvement, she found great joy in serving children and families through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Children's Choir. She served as Director of Vacation Bible School at Drexel First Church of God for many years and was also active in the church's handbell choir and orchestra. Jennie greatly valued her church family at Oak Hill United Methodist Church and looked forward to attending Sunday School each week, where she enjoyed fellowship, friendship, and lifelong learning. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life and was reflected in her love for others and commitment to service.

Family was at the heart of Jennie's life. She was a devoted mother who took great pride in her daughters and treasured the close relationships they shared throughout her life. Known lovingly as “Nana” to her grandchildren, she rarely missed an opportunity to attend a ballgame, school event, recital, or celebration. Whether cheering from the stands, sitting in an auditorium, or gathering around the table with family, Jennie found her greatest joy in the people she loved. She delighted in creating memories with her children and grandchildren that will be treasured for generations. Her gentle spirit, unwavering love, and steadfast devotion to her family touched countless lives, both inside and outside the classroom.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Susan Duncan Schwind (Joe) and Cindy Duncan Randolph (Tom); grandchildren, Will Carswell (partner, Wes Farmer), Joey Schwind, Chelsea Schwind (Daniel Bailey), Callie Carswell (fiancé, Elijah Moore), Tom Randolph, Jr. (partner, John Cagle), and Julia Randolph (Tom Rohde); great-granddaughter, Ella Rohde; sisters, Martha Howell and Joyce McCall; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, colleagues, and friends whom she loved dearly.

In addition to her parents, Jennie was preceded in death by her brother, James Edward Deal, and her former husband, O. Allen Duncan.

Jennie was fortunate to be able to remain in her home and be cared for by an extraordinary team of family members, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers—Lisa Snipes, Macie Alexander, Avery Freeman, Cindy Evans, Lisa Wise, Angie Webb, Macey Webb, Savannah Shell, Renee Bailey, and Sheree Brown—whose kindness, compassion, and dedication allowed Jennie to remain surrounded by the comforts of home. The family is also deeply grateful to her Amorem Hospice team, Heaven, Pam, Michelle, Kristi, Josh, Daphne, Dr. Hannah Stewart, and the on-call team, for their exceptional care, guidance, and support. Their collective love, friendship, and service brought comfort to Jennie and her family and will always be remembered with gratitude.

A celebration of Jennie's life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Oak Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Adam Love officiating. The family will greet friends in the church's MPAC Building following the service. A private graveside service will be held with family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Amorem Hospice or Oak Hill United Methodist Church.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.