Octavia Duncan

Octavia Belle Standridge Duncan, better known as Tava or Mama, was born September 30, 1928 to Carl & Ottis Strandridge in Vanoss, OK and passed away September 7, 2019 surrounded by her family.

She attended Vanoss until 9th grade, moving to Shawnee where she graduated from Shawnee High School in 1946 and OBU in 1950, obtaining a BS degree in Education. She taught at Oak Grove, a one-room schoolhouse outside of Tecumseh in 1950-51. Mrs. Duncan then moved to Bowlegs and taught 3rd grade for 35 years.

She married Pete Duncan, July 20, 1959 where she acquired a loving family.

She enjoyed bowling, knitting, crocheting, reading and doing puzzles.

She belonged to the Bowlegs Methodist Church where she played piano for their congregation. She was a member of the Federated Women’s Club, Book “Babes”, and UMW of First United Methodist Church of Seminole.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband of 41 years; sister, Adeanya Hunt; and two brothers-in-law, Joe Hunt and Dr. Don Pruess. She is survived by her children, Dr. Ben Duncan (Alice) and Lynda Talkington (Jim) all of Edmond, OK; sister, Mona Pruess; 6 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 5 nephews; 1 niece; numerous great- nieces and nephews; and many loving cousins.

A graveside service will be 10am, Saturday, September 21 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oklahoma City, followed by a celebration of life at 2:30pm at the First United Methodist Church of Seminole.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Bowlegs United Methodist Church, Box 53 Bowlegs, OK 74830.

Mama left behind a family that dearly loved her and will miss hearing her say, “I love you more!”

Share your memories and condolences at MemorialParkOKC.com