Shelia peacefully departed this life surrounded by loved ones on July 3, 2026 at the University of PENN hospital after a brief illness.
She was born on August 20, 1958 in Dothan, Alabama to the late Joe David Duncan and Annie C. Hutchinson Duncan. In her formative years, Shelia attended Montana Elementary School and Girard Jr. High School. Shelia graduated from Dothan High School in 1976. From an early age, Shelia understood what it meant to be a servant and found opportunities to serve within her church, high school and local community. Shelia’s love for the youth showed through her seasonal work with the City of Dothan’s Recreation Department as a Therapeutic Recreational Camp Volunteer.
Shelia grew up as a child and attended Parks Chapel A.M.E. Church throughout her adulthood until she moved to Montgomery, Alabama. She was a faithful and dedicated member of Parks Chapel serving as the Financial Secretary, member of the Steward and Stewardess Board, Women’s Missionary Society, and singing in the choir.
Shelia matriculated to Troy State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting in 1981. While at Troy State, Shelia remained committed to servitude and chose to pledge in the newly formed Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha where she was appointed Parliamentarian in 1978. After graduating from Troy, Shelia returned to Dothan and secured a Head Bank Teller position at First National Bank of Dothan in 1981. Shelia would quickly advance in her career and begin working in Home Health for the state of Alabama. In 2004, Shelia became Branch Director for Alabama State Department of Public Health where she managed and oversaw the accounts receivable function for the statewide Home Care programs.
After accepting a new position with the State of Alabama Department of Public Health and relocating, Sheila attended St. John’s Church in Montgomery, Alabama and served as an active member of the St. John’s Working Club, the Women’s Choir, Sanctuary Choir and Mass Choir. Upon moving to Delaware, Shelia found a home at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church where she became a member of the Stewardess Board and willingly offered her service to the church.
She would end her career retiring as the Alabama State Home Care Director, supervising 30 Home Health units within the state, recruiting, hiring, supervising, training and providing direct supervision to all staff, along with ongoing staff development.
Upon retirement, Shelia relocated to Delaware and continued to serve at POLYTECH High School as a Substitute Teacher for four years. Shelia exemplified the heart of a servant and this was mostly expressed through her service as a caregiver.
In addition to her parents, Shelia is preceded in death by her brother Willie C. Duncan and sister Betty Duncan Parker and brother-in-law Walter Parker.
She is survived by her nephew, Anthony Duncan, whom she was a dedicated caregiver for over 56 years, niece Dr. LaTonya Pierce (John), Niece Breahna Harmon (Katteem), Nephew John Pierce, III (Shemiah) and Derrick Duncan, Sisters Kandee Kennedy-London (Charles), Marie Payne and Katie Brascomb, Brother Kevin Kennedy (Josha-Lyn) Nieces Taliyah London, Mica Richardson, Ayana Turner, Jamilia Robinson, Alicia Payne, Katherine Brascomb, Penelope Pierce, Briana Robinson, Amiylah Robinson, Milani Merriweather, Paislei Robinson, Alexsix Mayo, Asa Payne; Nephews Damion London, Tyree London, Ben Kennedy, Tyson Kennedy, KJ Kennedy, Kailyn Kennedy, Jahal Robinson, Octavious Merriweather, Braylon Robinson, Kross Robinson, Isaiah Custis, Sr. (Carrie), Isaiah Custis, Jr., Adam Payne (Mya), Darrell Payne (Aliyah), Christopher Steele; Jhazhiere Harmon, Ronan Payne, Sister-in-laws Catherine Duncan, Gloria Brooks (Willie), Melinda Culpepper and Nancy Peralta; Special friends Charon and Darryl Scribbins, Jerry Moore, Dr. Wilma Mishoe, Dr. Mary, MacIntrye, Choona Lang, Debbie Myers, Ernestine Custis, Maggie Story, Lewis Timmons, Patricia Collins, Deborah Norcisa and a host of cherished loved ones.
Services were held at the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Dover, DE 19904. Her final resting place will be at the Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, AL.
