Betty Jane Holt Duncan of Gallatin, Tennessee passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, she was 91 years old.
Betty was born in Collinwood, TN on April 2, 1931 to the late Robert Hightower Holt and Ethel Myrtle Spain Holt.
She is also preceded in death by her husband, Collier Duncan; son Alan Duncan; brother, Roy Holt; sisters, Ruth Koger, Frances Nichols, and Sue Holt.
She is survived by her brother, Robert Holt; sisters, Nell Anderson, and Mary Ann Malone; daughter, Debra (Rick) Woodward; grandchildren, Jeremy Woodward, Stephanie (Ryan) Engdahl, and Brian (Justein) Woodward; great-grandchildren, Cody Wade, Alexia Woodward, Matthew Lopez, Rose Woodward, Sean McGarity, and Jason Woodward.
Betty had many accomplishments during her life. When the Duncan’s moved to Gallatin in 1961, she dove right into community projects. The first being to push for the expansion of the small beginnings of the Sumner County Library as well as the library of Howard Elementary.
She and her husband Collier became Boy and Girl Scout leaders and influenced the lives of several of the young men and women of Gallatin for the better. Another of Betty’s personal projects was to better the lives of the mentally ill in Sumner County. She and Collier along with a handful of friends went to the TN State Legislature to lobby for grant funds to have a place for the mentally ill to socialize, learn personal skills, and take field trips. Those funds were used to purchase a house in Gallatin. They named it “The Enrichment House”.
Betty was also instrumental in starting the Sumner County Chapter of NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill). For her efforts, she had the day of May 23, 2019 named “Betty Duncan Day” during a ceremony held at the Enrichment House. In attendance were her State Senator and Representative along with the mayor of Gallatin who presented her with the key to the city.
With her community projects and raising a family, she still worked full time for 23 years at the Gallatin Airport and several other secretarial jobs thereafter. She was a member of the Professional Secretaries Association where she made many long-lasting friendships. As a great example of a Christian lady, she faithfully attended Hartsville Pike Church of Christ.
Visitation will be at Crestview Funeral Home Thursday, August 4 from 4-8 pm, and Friday, August 5 from 12 Noon until service at 2 pm with interment to follow at Crestview Memorial Gardens. https://www.crestviewfh.com/obituary/Betty-Duncan
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hartsville Pike Church of Christ youth fund.
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