Marie grew up enjoying family and is fondly remembered as the baby girl.  All of her life, she was called  "Shirley," until the day of her graduation from Morehouse High School in Bastrop, LA, class of 1962, when she was called Marie Evelyn Brown, no one recognized the name written on her birth certificate.  Many in the family continued to call her Shirley, while others adapted to Marie.

Marie moved to Dallas after high school to live with siblings, AnnerShannon and Melvin Brown.  Marie found work and friends at the city of Dallas and for a time after having worked for over 30 years, she retired in 1999 and moved to Pine Bluff, AR after retiring, joining another sibling, Lee Clark.

In Arkansas, she joined St. James United Methodist Church and became involved with community programs, quickly making friends and working with the pastor of the church during his campaign for political office.   Shortly thereafter, she met and married George Duncan and they eventually settled back in Dallas where she continued to work as a diabetes advocate. Marie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from UT Southwest Allied Health at Dallas, TX.

Marie became the First Lady of St. Mark Church in Garland, when her husband, Rev. Dr. George Duncan was appointed as Senior Pastor.  Marie loved shopping, family life, and her St. Mark Church family.  She loved shopping at the Salvation Army Store in Dallas and Ross for Less stores with her sister, Ann. Marie loved to discuss politics, discuss the day's issues and watch CNN.  She liked to be in the know and loved a good debate.  She enjoyed laughter.

She enthusiastically served at St. Mark, where she laid the foundation for several ministries such as:  Girl Talk for the young ladies of St. Mark, The Seniors ministry for Senior members of St. Mark and worked with

the Women Ministry.  She was willing to serve and support her husband and the church in any way she could bring knowledge and growth to the kingdom.  She gladly supported those who joined in helping St. Mark expand to another level in Christ.  During her lengthy illness, she always stated that she didn't want anyone to be sad.  She understood that we who believe in Christ, are going to a better place, leaving the cares of this world behind and there was no reason to be sad or downcast.

Marie departed this life on June 19, 2023.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mattie Brown, Siblings: Daisy Bell (David), Lois Campbell (Bennie), Annette Turner (James Sr.), Lee Autry Clark (Cleveland), Melvin Brown, Robert Earl Brown, Dorothy Vaughn and cousin James Hedgman (Pam-living) who was raised with them.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory:

Husband: Rev. Dr. George Duncan, children and step-children: Gary Franklin (Erica), Terry Franklin (Angel), LaShonda Reid, Timothy Duncan, Tiffany Duncan-McCray.  Grandchildren:  Katie Marie Franklin, Gary Franklin, Jr., Madison McCray Treveon Duncan, Timothy Duncan, Jr.

Sisters: Anner Shannon (Weldon-deceased), Virginia Williams (Edward-deceased) and a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces/nephews, loved ones, relatives, church family and friends.