It is with deep love and profound gratitude that we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Phyllis Chunn-Duncan, a devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, educator, mentor, and friend. Her life was a shining example of faith, compassion, and perseverance, and to know her was to be loved.

Born into the loving home of George and Jettie Chunn, Phyllis grew up surrounded by faith, family, and an unwavering belief in the power of education. She graduated from Price High School with the highest of honors before continuing her studies at Livingstone College, where she earned her undergraduate degree. While there, she became a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., embracing the ideals of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood that she carried with elegance throughout her life.

It was also at Livingstone College that Phyllis met the love of her life, Carl “Tee” Duncan. Their connection was immediate and rooted in mutual respect, laughter, and faith. Their lifelong partnership spanned more than five decades. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and joy, and they were blessed with three devoted sons, Gary, Bryan, and Joseph. Phyllis and Carl shared an unbreakable bond and a shared belief in the importance of hard work, education, and community service.

Over the course of 47 years, Phyllis devoted her life to education as a teacher and administrator in several schools, including the Indian School and Upchurch Junior High in Raeford, N.C., Oakwood Junior High (Statesville, N.C.), Statesville Senior High, West Iredell Middle School (Statesville, N.C.), and Statesville Middle School. She viewed teaching not merely as a profession but as a calling. Her classrooms were places of acceptance and affirmation, where students were not only taught lessons, but also inspired to believe in themselves. She was firm in her expectations of students and saw beyond test scores and behavior. Phyllis saw hearts, dreams, and untapped potential. For many, she was the first adult to tell them they could be somebody — and she truly meant it. Phyllis believed passionately that children who participated in leadership and exposure programs would blossom into the leaders they were meant to be. Out of that conviction, she helped found COMMUNI-CARE, an innovative youth leadership and community engagement initiative that gave young people the opportunity to grow, lead, and give back. Through COMMUNI-CARE, she poured her heart into mentoring and molding the next generation of leaders. Her tireless work touched hundreds of lives, and many who came through the program still credit “Mrs. Duncan” with changing the direction of their lives. Her community service also included her active involvement in W.H.E.E.L., Inc. — Women Harvesting Energy, Empowerment and Leadership, and the afterschool tutoring program, S.O.S — Supporting Our Students. Phyllis was also a member of the Mitchell Community College Board of Trustees and was a Founding Member of the Circle of Giving Organization. Her remarkable dedication to education and youth development earned her the “1,000 Points of Light” award from President George H.W. Bush, recognizing the COMMUNICARE program as a national model of community service and excellence. She was also honored with being selected as the Teacher of the Year and the NAACP Wilson E. Lee Award, reflecting both her professional distinction and her moral leadership.

Phyllis was a lifelong member of New Bethel Baptist Church, where she exhibited her leadership skills and shared her many gifts in service to God. In her early years, she played the piano for the young adult programs and the church youth choir. Her creativity and commitment to nurturing young people were evident both inside and outside the classroom, and her church family benefited greatly from her vision and dedication. She lived out her faith through acts of quiet service, mentorship, and generosity. Her faith was not loud; it was steady, consistent, and powerful. She prayed earnestly, gave freely, and believed deeply that God placed her here to make a difference.

Phyllis also loved to laugh and have a good time. Whether she was sharing stories, enjoying a good meal, or spending time with family and friends, she embraced every moment with joy and light. Her laughter was a reflection of her spirit — full of life, love, and gratitude for all that God had given her. Affectionately known as “Pot,” Phyllis was the heart of her family and the glue that held generations together. She had a natural ability to make everyone feel like family — whether through her heartfelt conversations, delicious cooking, or that signature “look” that could both correct and comfort at the same time. Her wisdom was often delivered with humor, her kindness with strength, and her love with grace. She was intelligent and the epitome of class, and her presence lit up every room she entered.

Her absence will be deeply felt by all who were blessed to know her. In addition to her work in education, Phyllis had a deep passion for the arts. She taught Drama, Reading, and English, inspiring students to express themselves with confidence and creativity. She co-starred in a local production of “Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years” and wrote the first Juneteenth play ever performed for the community’s celebration. Her love for literature and theater shone through her teaching and her life — helping others see the power of storytelling as a way to heal, teach, and connect.

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her devoted sons Gary (Shay), Bryan (Pam), and Joseph; three beloved grandchildren, Darius “DJ” Duncan, Kalil Duncan (Taylor), and Haley Duncan Shaw (Elias); and one precious great-granddaughter, Jordyn Grace Duncan. She is also survived by her loving sisters, Barbara Jean Chunn Brown and Zettie Chunn Phillips.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Duncan; her parents, George and Jettie Chunn; her sister, Eva Jo Chunn Garner; and brothers, Thomas Chunn and George Chunn. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters, former students, colleagues, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her guidance, generosity, and grace. In her later years, Phyllis was blessed to have a special angel by her side, Ms. Anita Gray. Since 2016, Anita served as her devoted caregiver, companion, and dear friend. Their bond grew beyond caregiver and client — they became family. Anita’s kindness, patience, and unwavering care and advocacy brought comfort and joy to Phyllis’s life, and the family cherishes Anita as one of Phyllis’s greatest blessings.

Phyllis Chunn-Duncan lived a life that mattered; a life rooted in faith, guided by purpose, and overflowing with love. She taught by example, led with integrity, and gave with her whole heart. Though her earthly journey has come to an end, her legacy continues through every student she inspired, every family she touched, and every life she lifted. Her journey was one of grace and greatness, and her story will forever remind us that one woman with faith, courage, and compassion can indeed change the world.

Rutledge & Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Duncan family.