Nancy Blackwell Duncan

Nancy Blackwell Duncan, 74, of Emory, Virginia, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center after a courageous battle with a bone marrow disease and pneumonia.

A lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia, Nancy grew up in Glade Spring and graduated from Patrick Henry High School — the same school where one of her sons, Tim, now serves as principal. After marrying her beloved husband, John Duncan, she made her home in Emory for the remainder of her life.

Throughout her career, Nancy was drawn to roles that allowed her to help others. She worked for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in Abingdon, the Children’s Advocacy Center in Bristol, and Stone Mountain Medical Services in Damascus. Following her retirement, she continued serving her community by volunteering at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

 Above all, Nancy cherished her family. She loved her husband of 56 years, John, and her twin sons, Chris and Tim. She embraced her role as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts and spent countless hours ferrying her boys to baseball practices and other activities — most of the time without complaint.

Nancy was an avid reader who found joy in maintaining her beautiful yard and flowers. She adored dogs with a special fondness for Golden Retrievers and the newest addition, Tucker, a Jack Russell Terrier.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Clark Blackwell and Benjamin Franklin Blackwell II, and by her siblings, Joan Blackwell Asbury, Benjamin Franklin Blackwell III, and Betsy Blackwell Faris.

Nancy is survived by her husband, John Duncan; her sons, Tim Duncan (Melinda) and Chris Duncan (Stephanie); and her grandchildren: Madison Duncan, Hannah Duncan, Emma Duncan, Will Duncan, Bailey Moore, Sophie Moore, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital and UVA Medical Center, as well as to Wayne and Pat Jones; Stuart and Vicki Copenhaver; and Mark Trogden for their steadfast friendship, generosity, and support.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Frost Funeral Home in Abingdon, Virginia, followed by a funeral service. The burial will take place at approximately 3:00 P.M. at the Holston Conference Emory and Henry Cemetery. Officiants are Ronnie Musick and Dale Myers.

 Serving as pallbearers are Rob Asbury, Wes Asbury, Will Duncan, Chris Krepela, Mark Trogden, and Dusty Crawford.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Nancy Blackwell Duncan.