Jannie Victoria (Wright) Duncan

Life Reflections

Jannie Victoria Wright Duncan

“A woman of noble character, who fears the Lord is to be praised: Proverbs 31; 30

Jannie Victoria Wright entered into this world on June 9, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to loving parents, Claude T. Wright and Estelle Martin Wright.  She received her elementary and secondary education in the KCK/US District 500 Public Schools and graduated in 1962, from Wyandotte High School.  Next, she matriculated at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS and Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO, where she earned her 1966, B. S. Degree in Elementary Education.  As a child, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at First AME Church, KCK where she devotedly served in several ministries including Music and Finance to name a few.  In 1966, Jannie and Kenneth O. Duncan united in holy matrimony, and to this union three daughters were born.  Family members who preceded her in death are parents, former husband, Kenneth; daughter, Janelle; uncle, Roy Martin; and aunt, Dorothy Briggs. 

During her nearly thirty-year educational career in KCMO Public School District, outstanding instruction was rendered at Knotts, C. A Franklin, and Blenheim Elementary Schools as well as Lincoln Middle School Preparatory.  Valuable and exemplary work was shown in the program for At-Risk students. 

The metropolitan community was blessed by Jannie’s melodious soprano voice shared within the Melloettes Chorale Ensemble.  An avid AKA Sorority, Inc, Beta Omega Chapter worker, she served as the 38th President.  Vice-president, Secretary Founders’ Day and 27th Debutante Ball Chair (“Dazzling New Decade”).  Giving back to the community with fundraising and scholarship was her goal.  Also, Jannie enthusiastically participated in the Sumner ’62 reunion events. 

She was a “MOTHER EXTRAORDINAIRE” greatly demonstrating her deep love for her children and grandchildren by nurturing them in the admonition on the LORD.  Being a skilled seamstress/garment designer/cosmetologist, she always adorned her beautiful daughters in stylish fashion for all occasions.  Jannie, a kind, gracious Christian servant leader, departed this life on September 2, 2022, and leaves to grieve her passing: daughters, Kendra Maxwell (Lurel), Shawniece Gipson (Scott); grandchildren,  Kendria Marler (Ryan); Claudia Anderson (Tevin); Dennis Maxwell, III; Tiara Anderson; WaVonne Buchanan; Jessie Buchanan, Jr.; Thomas Duncan; Jasmine Duncan, Jaylynn Buchanan; Olivia Gipson;  great grandchildren, Cousin, Lloyd Matthews; “special daughter’ Teia Bennett; and a host of extended family and loving friends. 

Jannie Wright Duncan is a woman whose legacy will live forever because of the kindness, care, spirit, and love that she put into her walk with God.

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