04/28/2026
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Joretta Duncan, age 90, went to be with the Lord on April 24, 2026, in Grove Oklahoma. Joretta was born on August 24, 1935 in Wichita, Kansas to Evert and Viviana Davis. This was during the “Dust Bowl” days.
Joretta was preceded in death by her mother Viviana Davis; her father Evert Davis; husband Norma Gene Duncan; one brother; and her son David Duncan.
Joretta married Norma Gene Duncan in 1959. This union brought together three children Esther Diana Hagan of Nashville, TN; Christy Lynn Malloy of Cape Coral, FL; and David E. Duncan of Tulsa, OK. Her children were the apple of her eye! Seven Grandchildren Kevin Malloy, Triena Malloy, Kendal Hagan, Jessica Hagan, Kaitlyn McCord, Temperance Coyner, and Skyler Phelps; Three great-grandchildren Quinton Hagan, Jason Strawberry, and Benjamin Malloy.
Joretta grew up in Augusta, Kansas. She graduated from high school in 1953. She attended college at Emporia State Teachers College and graduated in 1960.
Mrs. Duncan started teaching in a two-teacher school in Gordon, Kansas in 1956. She also taught in Kansas for fifteen years. Joretta moved to Grove, Oklahoma in 1970. She loved her years as a Bulldog an ended up retiring in Jay in 1997. After retirement she taught at Muskogee Correctional, Muskogee, Oklahoma. During her spare time, she taught at Labette Community College in Parson, Kansas. Joretta was also employed at Catfish Johns, Walmart, Home of Hope, Grand Lake Mental Health, Youth Care of Oklahoma, and Oasis Counseling. Other endeavors that made her happy was working with youth from Grove and Jay with Judge Denny on “Kicking Asphalt” which she greatly enjoyed! Mrs. Duncan ended her career working with students to complete their GED through the NEO Campus. She was not afraid of work!
Joretta loved reading, bowling, photography, and participating in numerous runs such as the Jay Huckleberry Run, she always said “I won first… I was the only one in my age category” and that was the truth not many entered the 70-and 80-year-old section.
A few of Mrs. Duncan’s honors she was so proud of she was honored in1997 as the State Co-Worker of the Year for the Moose Lodge, Jay Homecoming Parade Marshall 2025, Distinguished Alumni Award at Emporia State College 2025.
Mrs. Duncan touched the lives of numerous students; many still stay in contact with her today. She was always for the underdog and got along great with the mischievous students. She loved working on the Junior and Senior plays when she was teaching Drama at Jay. The Beverly Hillbillies and M*A*S*H were two of her favorites.
Jo leaves behind some special friends Everett Vaughn, Cheryl Swyden, Mickey Lemaster, and Sandy Coaly Stukey. Along with many students and other friends who loved her dearly.
Joretta’s Celebration of Life Family Visitation to greet friends will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:00-8:00pm at Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346.
Joretta’s Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 1:00pm at the Jay Bulldog Arena, 322 E Monroe St, Jay, OK 74346 with Rev. Jim Paslay Officiating. Followed by Joretta’s funeral procession to Buzzard Cemetery, Grove, OK.
Joretta’s burial will be held at Buzzard Cemetery, Grove, OK.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lawson’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 311 W. Gray St., Jay, OK 74346 with Shaunda J. Lawson, 3rd Generation Owner/Funeral Director and Staff.
