Marjoriee (Marge) Lee George Duncan

Marjoriee (Marge) Lee George Duncan was born in McAlester, Oklahoma. She was a devoted wife, mother, “Oma” to her grand and great grandchildren, and involved community member. Marge had a delightful sense of humor, loved to entertain, and a gracious hostess. She was actively engaged in Westminster Presbyterian Church. Marge is preceded in death by her father, Everett L. George, mother, Vesta Brock George Whitby, step-mother Elva Streich Rowton George, and step-brothers Jack and Jerry Rowton. In addition to being the wife to Robert Charles Duncan for 63 years, Marge studied Art History and Psychology at the University of Phoenix while raising her three children and a wide assortment of pets. During their sixty-three years of marriage, Marge and Bob resided in McAlester, OK, Los Angeles, CA, Tucson, AZ, Phoenix, AZ, Roswell, NM, and Oklahoma City, OK. Once settled in Oklahoma City in July, 1968, they began a “second family” by raising Schnauzers. Marge actively participated in the OKC arts community and established the Duncan Studio. Her paintings were exhibited in shows, galleries, and private collections. She continued to study painting with artists Carol Anderson, Scott Burdick and several others. Bob and Marge were members of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and were involved in the Prix de West as well as other activities. They were also avid members of the Buckle Club at the Rendezvous of Art in Helena, Montana. This venue gave them the opportunity to mingle with some of the artists they enjoy knowing personally and pursue their passion for Western art. As a couple, Marge and Bob embraced opportunities to engage in philanthropic activities in Oklahoma City and were enthusiastic supporters of the arts. For forty years she contributed in many ways by fundraising, holding positions of leadership, serving as a board member, volunteering unlimited hours, providing donations of material and monetary gifts, and was a partner in the origination of several programs to encourage the development of young artists. Principal organizations with which she was affiliated are Oklahoma City Orchestra League, Oklahoma Philharmonic, Canterbury Choral Society, Lyric Theatre, Oklahoma Museum of Art, PEO, Garden Club, and the Oklahoma City Zoo. Marge was instrumental in creating the Christmas Concert, Reindeer Express, benefitting the Urban Food Bank, We Got Rhythm, and the Competition of Young Performing Artists. She was intimately involved with the Symphony Show House for many years serving as Chairman and headed various committees including Decoration, Tea Room, Boutique, Decorator Sales and History of Owners. As a docent for the zoo she won the Golden Marmoset Award for volunteerism. Her favorite activity was traveling among OKC elementary schools introducing a snake and hawk to the students. Bob and Marge traveled the world together and with their family. Some of her favorite locations were Africa, the Holy Land, and their Around-the-World Trip, specifically Italy and Greece. She participated in a variety of programs sponsored by World Neighbors as well as traveling to Africa to volunteer in a community project. Family trips across the globe during the past forty years were special to Marge. Most memorable was the trip to Kenya in 2007 to celebrate the New Year. At the age of 12 each of their four grandchildren traveled with Bob and Marge to a location of his/her choice. These trips created profound impressions and long-lasting memories for everyone. She is survived by her husband Bob of Oklahoma City, son Scott and his wife Debra of Edmond, daughter Tracy and her husband Brian Burkhardt of Nashville, TN, and daughter Dru of Tucson, AZ. Grandchildren include Jason and Jenni Duncan, Brian and Mandy Washa, Duncan Burkhardt and Arianna Burkhardt. Great-grandchildren include Tuker and Grey Duncan and Max Washa. Marge was a musician and member of church and community choirs. She loved to play the organ and piano. In honor of her love of music, the family has established The Marge Duncan Concert Fund at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Annual concerts for the next ten years featuring a full orchestra will perform free concerts for the community. The concerts will be hosted at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Community members wishing to honor Marge’s memory and interested in making contributions in lieu of flowers, are encouraged to make a donation to this fund: Westminster Presbyterian Church - 524-2204. The family wishes to extend thanks to Michelle Scott, Caregiver, to the many caring and supportive physicians providing care to Marge during the past five years, Oklahoma Parkinson’s Foundation, Mercy Hospital Hospice Care, Westminster Presbyterian Church, and all those individuals bringing food, sending flowers and cards, and visiting. A celebration of Marge’s life will be held on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4400 North Shartel Ave., OKC 73118, (405-524-2204). To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Marjoriee (Marge) Lee George Duncan please visit our Sympathy Store.