Claranelle Adams Duncan

Claranelle Adams Duncan passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where she resided with her daughter, Patricia for the past four years.  She was born January 22, 1928, to the late Nathaniel and Alta Belle Adams in Kendrick, Florida.

Early in her childhood, Claranelle was baptized and became a member of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church in Martin, Florida. She continued her membership at Progressive Union throughout her life.

She graduated high school from Fessenden Academy in 1946.  She briefly attended Dillard University before continuing her education at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical College (FAMC). She graduated from FAMC in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Following her graduation, she was employed for approximately fifteen years at Munroe Memorial Hospital, working in the Colored Wing of the hospital. Later she served as the nurse for Dr. Ernest E. Lamb, a professional relationship that lasted for more than 25 years.  Her specialty was obstetrics and gynecology.  She was known for having assisted in the delivery of many babies in the Ocala area.

 During the time of her employment at Munroe Memorial Hospital, she married Theodore D. “Douglas” Taylor, a union to which three children were born (Patricia, Theodore and Cedric).  The marriage ended in 1969. In December 1980, Claranelle Adams was joined in loving, holy matrimony to Alphonso Duncan. The marriage lasted until his death in 2008.

Claranelle was a loving, doting mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Frequently, she traveled throughout central and south Florida, to other states in the country and internationally to visit with her children and grandchildren. An avid football fan, she loved her FAMU Rattlers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers coached by Mike Tomlin. She often attended Homecoming and Florida Classic football games as a proud FAMU Rattler. She was a devoted friend to members of her community. Her kindhearted, loving, charitable personality endeared her to many who eagerly regarded and accepted her as their family.   

She followed her mother into the Order of Eastern Star where she was a longtime member of Virginia Bell Chapter #154.

A pinnacle of her life was an evening spent with former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Claranelle Adams Duncan leaves to cherish her memories a very loving and devoted daughter, Patricia Taylor Johnson (Thomas) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Theodore N. Taylor (Sharon) of Riverview, Florida and Cedric D. Taylor (Marcia) of Brandon, Florida; grandchildren, Aaron N. Taylor (Lisa) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Tami Johnson (Terrance) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Mesha Stubbs (Keith) of Riverview, Florida; Donnie Melton (Gigi) of Tampa, Florida; Wesley B. Taylor of Tampa, Florida; Sean Taylor (Shambrey) of Tampa, Florida; Shea Taylor of Tampa, Florida; great-grandchildren, Devin, Shamar, Amira, Sy’aire, Sa’riya; cousin, Gloria Camp of Fort Washington, Maryland; god-daughter, Joann Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; and special family members, Martha Adeymo, Kimberly Adeymo-Gallien; Carlita Miller, Toni Mountain, Ingrid Hambrick and a host of loyal and devoted family and friends.

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be so

He put His arms around you and whispered, "Come to me".

With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away

and although we love you dearly we could not make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.

Author Unknown

Public Viewing will be on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Summers Funeral Home 2238 NW 10th St, Ocala, Fl 34475.

Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00am at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church, 8792 NW. 38th Avenue Road Ocala, Fl 34482.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to be made to Fessenden Elementary School PTO, 4200 NW 89th Place, Ocala, Fl 34482.

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