Betty Mae Duncan

In Loving Memory of Mother Betty Mae Duncan

January 25, 1939 – September 10, 2026

Betty Duncan, age 87, and longtime resident of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home on Thursday September 10, 2026. She was born in Mercer, Tennessee on January 25, 1939, as the sixth child of McKinley and Thelma Wilkes.

Betty grew up in Mercer, Tennessee but moved to Chicago, Illinois after she turned 18. Shortly after moving to Chicago, she was introduced to Jim Duncan who had moved from Mississippi to Chicago. It was not love at first sight; Jim had to put the work in to win her heart and he did. They were married on February 21, 1959. Four children later moved to St. Paul, Minnesota in 1967.

Betty loved her family inclusive of siblings and extended family. She was a dedicated wife and mother who loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren deeply. She was always willing to sacrifice her own comfort to help those she loved.

Betty loved her Church and she was an asset to the fellowship. She was the co-chair of the Mother’s Board and greatly enjoyed hanging out with the other Church Mothers. They would visit nursing homes and other facilities on a monthly or quarterly basis. She always had encouraging words for the praise team and the preacher and would often use quick-wit statements as a pleasant exchange.

Most important of all, Betty loved God and enjoyed attending Sunday School. Her journey with Christ started with Jones Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) and Greater Mercer Missionary Baptist Church both located in Mercer, Tennessee. In Chicago, Illinois she attended Antioch Missionary. Upon moving to Minnesota she attended Pilgrim Baptist Church. She became a member of Apostolic Faith Temple (now Piercing Faith Church) in 2001.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents McKinley and Thelma Wilkes; husband Jim Duncan; siblings Louise Marshall, Flute Albert Merriwether, Leonard Wilkes, Arthur Wilkes, McKinley “Junior” Wilkes, Malandus “Sonny” Wilkes, John “Jay” Wilkes, and Amos Wilkes; stepdaughter Rosie Pimpton; son-in-law Anthony Franklin; granddaughters Shannon Necole Jones, and Lynsindra “Patty” Thigpen.

Betty is survived by her siblings Joe Wilkes, Mildred Kelly, Glory Wilkes, Bertha Pickett, Forestine Booker - Hicks, and Devernice Cowan; children Deborah McGrew (Fred), Sharon Jones (AZ), Jimelle Duncan [Nykia Higgins], Danielle Franklin; Stepson Pascal “Percy” Pimpton (Francine); a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Mother Betty Mae Duncan will be greatly missed, but she is in the care of the true and living God.

Celebration of Life

September 26, 2026

9am View

10 am Service

Shiloh Temple International Ministries

1201 Broadway Ave., Mpls, MN