Ms. Vivian May Duncan

UTICA- Ms. Vivian May “Chaka” Duncan, age 90, went home to the Lord on Monday, January 16, 2023, after a long and fulfilling life, the last days of which were spent surrounded by her family. Born in Little Falls, NY on April 12, 1932 to the late John and Cora (Hurd) Duncan, she came to the Utica area with her family as a young girl. At one time, she shared a relationship with Winston Maddox, and from that bond came the blessing of two children. Later an additional love, Rufus “Doc” Holliman came into her life, and again she was graced with two more children. Vivian treated her family as absolutely paramount. As both a single mother and stay-at-home mom, she provided a loving home for her children, for which they were eternally grateful. As the years went by, they in turn cared for her with the same devotion, love, and respect in her later years. Through her life, she remained faithful to her core values and passed those on to her children. A real “old school” woman, she had everything she could want. She was an affectionate and supportive mother, but “she did not play.” Vivian often found herself as the center of attention - and for good reason! She was kind, outgoing, and most of all she was real. Many people would often drop in just to say hello, visit, and admire her. When grandchildren entered her life, they only widened her heart. She doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to spoil them. When their parents told them no, the little ones would run next door to grandma’s, and grandma would handle it. True to the meaning of her name, Vivian was full of life and energy. She also had the most wonderful expressions - though sometimes they could strike some fear in you. One look and you knew exactly where you stood! And to top that off, she would also make a fist to show her dissatisfaction. Although, small in stature, she was not one to cross! Even into their adulthood, her children knew to respect her - even if they may have talked about the event behind closed doors. Vivian had a soft spot for a good TV show, her favorites being Days of Our Lives, Sanford and Son, Perry Mason, Matlock, and Wheel of Fortune. She also was known for her prowess in the kitchen. She could truly make a meal out of anything, but she gained the most fame for her macaroni salad and spaghetti. A spiritual woman, she would pray for others in their time of need and ask others to pray for her when she needed it. Her favorite quote was “God doesn’t love ugly.” Born into the Catholic Church, earlier in life she attended Historic Old St. John’s Church, though more recently she had been shepherded by Bishop Kathy Hughes and the women of her church. All in all, she lived a good and full life. She was beloved, she had the love of her family, and friends from a time when the world was a better place. Vivian is survived by her children and their spouses, Candace Maddox and Lox Stewart, Eric Holliman, Tammy and Anthony Nevith, and Bryce Duncan. She was preceded two years to the day by her son, Gerard Maddox. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Kevin Jefferson, Calvin Best (Lorna), and Deanna Preston; and her great-grandchildren, Nyishaun Jefferson, Kaishaun Jefferson, Samantha Best, Makayla Best, and Sierra Williams. Chaka was a second mother to Robin Weathers, Jacki Morgan, and Darlene Mack-Brown. It took a village and beside her daughter Tammy, these women ensured that Chaka was loved and cared for. She was preceded by her siblings and their spouses, Sarah Duncan, Evelyn “Lady E.” Stenson, and Geraldine R. and John Davis. She will additionally be greatly missed by her host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins; brother-in-law, Johnnie Stenson; and dear friends, Dorothy Gibbs, Dorene Moore, and Minnie Wormack. They knew each other well and kept the deep-rooted secrets of their lifetime. The family extends special gratitude to Dr. Cynthia Jones of Mosaic Health Care and the MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center fourth floor staff who tended to Vivian’s needs; also to aide Kelley from Senior Network, Elizabeth Clarke, who was a wonderfuld aide, and her nephews Jerome, Lacy, Jim, and his wife Dawn Winston for caring for their aunt with motherly love. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Vivian’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m. Those unable to attend may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89849821180. Interment will follow in New Forest Cemetery.

Ms. Vivian May Duncan

April 12, 1932 - January 16, 2023