In Memoriam: Delores E. Duncanson

To every thing there is a season, a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die … a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. 

(Ecclesiastes 3)

Mourners from all over the world gathered at the Freeport Bible Church on Saturday. They were there to pay last respects to Delores E. Duncanson, a dear family friend.

So many religious, political, and social leaders attended that her sunset service had all the dignity and reverence of a state funeral. But that was just a testament to the life she led and the lives she touched. 

Delores would’ve been exceedingly proud of the elegant way her children arranged her farewell and the loving way they expressed their grief. She would’ve been especially touched by the eulogy her oldest daughter, Delisa, delivered. It drew tears of unbridled joy and sorrow.

Delores was a woman for all seasons. Among other things, she performed the duties of a loving wife, the challenges of a working woman, and the demands of a caring mother – all with enviable grace. She embodied an intriguing mix of traditional and progressive values.

But she was proudest of her accomplishments as a mother. Yet, her humility was such that she often prayed to live long enough to see her youngest daughter graduate from high school. 

Therefore, imagine how favored she was by God: He allowed her to see her three daughters, Delisa, Brandace, and Shari, not only graduate from high school but become a doctor, lawyer, and accountant, respectively.

On that note, no tribute to Delores would be complete without mentioning her relationship with God. Above all, she was a woman of abiding faith. And so she praised Him when times were good as readily as she prayed to Him when times were bad.

Accordingly, her faith comforted her as she fought the ravages of cancer until her last breath on 22 September 2008 at 1:25 a.m. She was surrounded by loved ones when the Lord ended her suffering. No doubt he welcomed her into Heaven with the words we all long to hear:

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Delores was born on Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands. She is survived by her devoted husband, Bertrand Duncanson, her three daughters mentioned above, and her two adopted sons, Mario and Marcian. She was 62.

Farewell, Delores. May your memory be a blessing.