Sharon Irene Welborn Duncan

Sharon Irene Welborn Duncan, 80, of West Columbia, SC went home to Heaven on August 4, 2026. Her last week was filled with an outpouring of love and care from family and friends. Dad was always there, holding her hand, kissing her, telling her how much she was loved. We all did. Singing around her bed ushered us all into the presence of God. Then, early Tuesday morning as she took her last breath, she saw Jesus.

Sharon was born in Anderson, SC on August 22, 1945, to the late Roy C. (Bud) and Polly Welborn of Greenwood, SC.

She was attending Greenwood High School when she met the love of her life, James Marion Duncan at age 15 while in a beauty pageant where she placed second. Dad saw her, heard her beautiful voice, and was smitten. They married 2 years later on October 7, 1962. They were married almost 64 years.

In 1970, they moved to Columbia, SC with three young daughters and soon after had two sons, the late James Marion (Jimmy) Duncan Jr. and the late James Robert (Bobby) Duncan.

Mom was well known for her alto voice and her ability to play the piano. She was constantly asked to sing and play at many events and enjoyed participating in many dramas at our church. She loved singing in the choir and playing the piano at church for well over 40 years. Her gift of hospitality led them to house many families that needed a place to stay. Mom’s passion for cooking began with her mother and has been passed on to all the children. Food was just always part of who she was. If someone was ill, had a baby, or was just coming to visit, Mom was always willing to cook.

Mom worked alongside Dad as his assistant for all these years in the sign business. She was his partner in work and marriage. She had an uncanny ability to know how to navigate anywhere you needed to go. Her memory of street names and roads was better than any GPS.

Sharon was a loved wife, mom, sister, aunt, grandma and great-grandma, but more than anything she loved Jesus and modeled love and service to others. She leaves behind a loving Husband, James Marion Duncan of 63 years. Daughters, Denise Hage (Kris) of Lexington, Kathy Heise (Harvey) of Rock Hill, Tammy Duncan of West Columbia, and the late Bobby Duncan (Maria) of Rock Hill. Grandchildren, Stephanie Scoma (Stephen), Robbie Alexander (Haley), Jason Hage, Scott Heise (Madison), Kevin Hage, Preston Alexander, Ashley McGee (Quinn), Kayla Hart (Thomas), Isabella Duncan, Lucas Duncan. Great Grands: Nora, Liam, Jax, Lorraine and twin girls on the way. Sister, Diane Ables (Scott) of Georgia and brother, David Welborn (Elizabeth) of Oklahoma, nieces, nephews, cousins and multiple friends who will greatly miss her.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 12 Noon at Christian Life Church, on 2700 Bush River Rd, Columbia SC 29210. The family will receive friends at 10:30am prior to the service.