Mary Lillian Spry Martin Duncan was born on July 12, 1927 to the union of Richard and Josephine Spry in Columbia, South Carolina. She attended John P. Thomas Elementary School. Mary graduated with a degree in biology from Benedict College in Columbia, S.C. in 1951. Mary was joined in marriage to Dr. Joseph P. Martin on December 26, 1956 in Columbia, S.C. who preceded her in death on May 29, 1972. On June 2, 1991 she married Mr. William Duncan whom she met at Canaan A.M.E. Church. They were introduced by the late Reverend Blaine Ramsey. Mary began her teaching career in Barnwell, S.C. After her marriage she moved to Chicago, Illinois where she taught at William Cullen Bryant on Chicago’s west side. She then moved to Maywood,IL where she taught at Roosevelt School in Broadview, IL until her retirement in 1989. After her retirement she moved to Flossmoor IL where she became a member of Mayo A.M.E. Church in Matteson. She was a member until her death. On June 2, 1991 Mary became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated 2016 she became a silver star of the sorority for twenty five years of membership. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Pamela Felice Martin, two step daughters Mrs. Kay Mallett (David) of Houston, TX and Ms. Jeanne Miller and grandson Mr. William Miller also of Houston, TX. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, and loved students.
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