Submitted by Debbie Duncan

Family, friends, church members, and community supporters gathered on June 13, 2026, at the Eutaw Activity Center to celebrate the 85th birthday of Ms. Sarah Lee Duncan, a beloved Greene County resident whose life continues to reflect faith, service, family, and community commitment.

The celebration was held under the theme, “A Life Well Lived, A Legacy Still Growing,” with Proverbs 16:31 as the theme scripture: “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

Ms. Duncan was born to Samuel Duncan and Hattie Brown and was the seventh of ten children. Her early years on the family farm taught her the value of hard work, responsibility, unity, and honest labor. These are lessons that continue to guide her life.

Faith has always been central to Ms. Duncan’s journey. She confessed Christ at an early age, was baptized by Rev. Willie Knox, and was a longtime member of Pine Grove Baptist Church before moving her membership to Second Baptist Church. For more than 40 years, she has served on the Usher Board and remains connected to church service as her health allows.

Ms. Duncan is also known for her many years of civic service. For more than 50 years, she has served as a registrar and helped register hundreds of citizens to vote in Greene County. She remains active in voting and continues to believe that every citizen should have the opportunity to let their voice be heard.

Her community involvement also includes her work with the New South Coalition, where she served as a grassroots worker encouraging voter participation and supporting efforts to improve Greene County. For more than 30 years, she was also known for her homemade ice cream at the Black Belt Folk Roots Festival in Eutaw. Although she is now retired from making ice cream, her contribution remains a treasured part of Greene County’s cultural history.

Ms. Duncan is the proud mother of three daughters, Debbie, Regina, and Sarah, and is blessed with four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her family continues to reflect the values she planted: faith, education, service, compassion, and commitment to helping others.

Ms. Sarah Lee Duncan was celebrated for 85 years of life, and she was honored as a living example of strength, grace, faith, and community love. Her legacy is still growing through the lives she continues to touch.