Sallie Gustine Duncan Obituary (1932 - 2024)

Sallie Gustine Duncan, 91, of Atlanta, Georgia died peacefully February 21, 2024, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Born November 23, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, Sallie was the only child of Evelyn McPeak Gustine and William Henry Gustine. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Lisle, Illinois and was always grateful to the Benedictine Sisters for her excellent education. While attending St. Alphonsus Catholic High School, Sallie met her future husband, William Francis Duncan, at a school dance. In August 1948 they were married at the tender ages of not quite 16 and 19, respectively. Shortly after their marriage, Sallie and Bill moved to Patuxent, Maryland where Bill was stationed while serving with the United States Marine Corps and later the United States Navy. Upon completion of Bill's service commitment, they returned to Chicago where their first child, Patricia, was born in November 1949 followed by the birth of William in June 1952. Armed only with self-reliance and a determination to succeed, Sallie and Bill moved to Miami, Florida in 1954 with their two young children. Quickly establishing themselves as motivated workers, Sallie and Bill both worked in banking and finance in Miami and soon purchased their first home. In an era of stay at home wives, Sallie was a trailblazer pursuing an independent career rising to the position of officer time and time again, including during her many years at institutions such as Flagler Federal, Dade Savings and others. Sallie became a new Mom again in September 1967 with the arrival of her third child, Deborah. Juggling a daughter in college, a son in high school and a newborn daughter, Sallie never missed a beat. She continued to work full time while enthusiastically enjoying this new dimension in her life. Sallie completed masters' level education courses at Ohio State University and became an active member of Toastmasters to sharpen her speaking and presentation skills. Simultaneously managing home and career, Sallie continued her professional rise pivoting to become a respected and very successful mortgage broker. Over many years, Sallie helped countless people achieve their dream of owning a home. Having developed a reputation for being the "go-to" broker for individuals struggling to own, Sallie eventually took the plunge and was able to incorporate and launch a successful business practice of her own. Building upon her banking and mortgage know how, Sallie became a Realtor. Rising to the top once again and earning the respect of her peers, Sallie was elected President of the Miami-Dade Women's Council of Realtors in 1990. By 1986, Sallie and Bill had found their dream vacation home in the Florida Keys spending weekends enjoying great neighbors, beautiful sunsets and ocean views. After moving full time to Tavernier in 1993, Sallie continued to work as a Realtor and was awarded Realtor of the Year by the Florida Keys Board of Realtors in 1996. Sallie finally retired just before turning 80 years young. During their many years in Tavernier, Bill and Sallie were active members of San Pedro Catholic Church where Sallie both sang in the choir and was appointed a Eucharistic Minister. She was also an active volunteer in the Keys, including the Church's annual fundraiser "Art Under the Oaks". Sallie and Bill moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2010 to be closer to family. A year later and a few weeks before their 64th wedding anniversary, Sallie's life was irrevocably changed with the death of her beloved husband. Following Bill's death, Sallie and her faithful companion, Wrigley, went to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Robert. Sallie loved being surrounded by her family and soon became a vibrant member of her new neighborhood and local community. An avid reader and determined to stay busy, Sallie became a regular volunteer at the Sandy Springs Library. Always impeccably dressed and joyful, she made an impact upon so many people and was known for her generosity, positive attitude and immense warmth. Sallie never met a stranger and delivered her homemade brownies to countless friends and businesses throughout the year. She was a lifetime patron of numerous charitable organizations, especially those supporting animal welfare, our military veterans and children in need. Independent, courageous, a fierce defender of our country and a woman of personal integrity, Sallie was the undisputed matriarch of her family. Sallie had a keen mind and a shrewd intellect with a matching sense of humor and unfailingly feisty wit. She believed in celebrating life and was known to be the last person on the dance floor at weddings and parties. She especially loved hugs, sunshine, bright colors, the Chicago Cubs, the Florida Keys, animals and music. She kept current with news and world events, believed in America and loved to travel. In the fall of 2022 after many happy and detailed months of planning, Sallie was able to achieve one of her lifelong dreams of traveling together with her three grown children and their spouses. While enjoying many adventures in England, Scotland and Ireland, she especially delighted in having her children all to herself. At the young age of 90 indulging her inner wild child and love of cars, Sallie fulfilled another lifetime dream of owning a Jaguar. She was a woman on the go with a fierce sense of purpose and a deep zest for living. Her laughter was infectious and happily shared with those around her. Ready to listen and provide wise council to family and friend alike, Sallie inspired us to work hard, to achieve, to serve others and to always make a difference. She loved her family, friends and Wrigley beyond measure and will be deeply missed. Sallie is survived by her daughters Patricia Duncan Sheehan (Robert) and Deborah Duncan McCann (Bill) and her son, William Michael Duncan (Geri); her seven grandchildren, Patrick James Sheehan (Wendy), Emily Brooke Duncan (Brett Plumb), Laura McDonald Duncan (Kyle Nettles), Alexandra Thomas Duncan, William Gavin McCann, Rogan Michael McCann, Wynne Henry McCann; her three great grandchildren, Ryder Logan Sheehan, Colbie Reagan Sheehan and Hudson William Plumb; and her two nieces, Martha Elizabeth Duncan and Diana Duncan Bishop (David). A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary's Chapel at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:30 AM. A Celebration of Life will be immediately held after Mass at Bonefish Grill, 2997 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339. In lieu of flowers, donations or memorials may be made to either Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (give.choa.org), Paralyzed Veterans of America (secure.pva.org) or the International Fund for Animal Welfare (secure.ifaw.org).