Dr. Rozell Renee Duncan Ph.D.

1948 - 2016

Dr. Rozell Renee Duncan Ph.D. obituary, 1948-2016, Fairlawn, OH

FUNERAL HOME

Rozell Duncan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 16, 2016.

Dr. Rozell Renee Hill Duncan, Ph.D., died on Monday, August 15, 2016 in Akron, Ohio at the age of 67.

Rozell is survived by her loving husband David Duncan, Ph.D., her daughter Yolanda Duncan, M.D., her son-in- law Allie Wims, Jr., two beautiful granddaughters, Allison and Alexis Wims, her mother, Mrs. Carrie Mae Tatum and her sister, Lalita Duke. She was preceded in death by her father Mr. Clifton Hill, Jr. and her brother Andre Hill. She also left behind a host of friends and extended family.

On October 12, 1948, the world welcomed Rozell Renee Hill who was born to Clifton Hill, Jr. and Carrie Mae Paul in Cleveland, Ohio. Rozell was the second of three children. She grew up in Cleveland and graduated from Glenville High School at the age of 17.

Rozell was the first in her family to attend and complete college earning a bachelor's degree from Muskingum College. She went on to earn a B.S. from Akron University.

On Sept 5, 1970, Rozell married a neighborhood friend, David Duncan. And so began a marriage that lasted 45 years, 11 months, 15 days, 10 hours, and 5 minutes. On April 8, 1974 they welcomed their only child Yolanda Duncan and moved to Akron, Ohio.

Rozell worked at the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services in Akron, Ohio for over 30 years. She started as a social worker and worked her way up to the position of Deputy Director. While working full time as a Deputy Director she also taught part-time at Akron University in the Speech Department.
Despite having demanding full time and part-time jobs, Rozell still found the time to be active on several committees, completed a master's degree at Akron University and completed her Ph.D. at Kent State University. She was a supportive and loving wife and mother.

Rozell had many health issues throughout her life, but she never let them stop her. No matter how much pain she was in, she always loved helping others and she loved to travel.

After retiring from the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, Rozell started working full time at Kent State University in the Speech- Communication Department. She attained tenure and became a full time Associate Professor.

While teaching at Kent State University she became a grandmother. Her passion for teaching came second only to her passion for her family. Rozell and David spent countless hours helping to care for and mentor their grandchildren. Rozell especially, loved traveling with the grandchildren and her daughter, taking multiple trips a year. Even in her final days she wanted to be with her family. Rozell will truly be missed.

Funeral Services will be in the Catavolos Funeral Home, Rose Hill Burial Park 3653 West Market St Fairlawn, Ohio 44333 on Saturday 20 August 2016. Friends and family visitation hours are from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with funeral services to follow at 1:00 pm. The burial will start shortly afterwards at the Rose Hill Burial Park.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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October 23, 2016

Shardell Artis

Rozell Duncan had a huge impact on me as a student at Kent State University. There were times when I wanted to give up, but she would not let me. She influenced me both professionally and personally, and made me part of the woman I am today. You will never be forgotten! Your teachings will live on through myself and others who had the honor to call you their professor, colleague, friend, and family. Rest In Peace......

September 24, 2016

J Lane

I am saddened to hear of Rozell's passing. I looked forward to seeing her each year at ISETL conferences. She was a wonderful person and a passionate educator. She will be missed.

September 6, 2016

Ralph Lorenz

Rozell was a wonderful colleague and friend at Kent State, and she will be greatly missed! Condolences to her family and friends--

September 2, 2016

Angie Corbo

Rozell's continual contributions to NCA's Experiential Learning in Communication Division will be forever cherished. She was a kind heart, a scholar, and a vibrant presence among all of us. We will honor her life as we mourn her passing. Sending love and prayers to all who share in this grief.

August 29, 2016

Marge Klein

To the Duncan Family,

The Peanut Shoppe of Akron would like to express our condolences to the family. Rozell was a long time customer and friend to the store. She will truly be missed. May you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

Marge and employees.

August 25, 2016

Karen Ernes

I am so saddened to hear of Rozell's passing. I had the pleasure of working with her at Summit county job & family services back in the 80s. She was a wonderful woman with tremendous compassion. My condolences to her family.

August 25, 2016

To the Duncan family, we are praying for you. Neil , Terri Porter

August 24, 2016

Kathie (Hathy) Peters

Dear David, Yolanda and all the family, I was so shocked to hear that Rozell had passed to Heaven! She and I kept in touch through the years after we worked together at the Human Services Department and we always intended to get together for lunch! How many times did we agree we should meet! She was a ray of sunshine and had the best laugh! I miss her already!

May God hold you all in His hands and give you peace until you are reunited in Heaven.

August 22, 2016

Deacons Melvin & Ann Andrews

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 21, 2016

Mary Anne Higgins

I knew Roz was in great pain, yet I never heard her complain.Nothing was fake or phony about Roz; when she said something,she meant it. I was lucky to know her and blessed to call her my good friend.
My sympathies to family and friends.

August 20, 2016

Sharon Kimmy

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

August 20, 2016

Howard Haines

To David and Yolanda and Family;
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, Whom shall I fear, The Lord is the strength of my life who shall I be afraid(Psalm 27)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I had the pleasure of working with Rozell at the Dept. of Jobs and Family Services, also we volunteered teaching swimming together for the American Red Cross at the Akron Urban League for many summers. She had a kind heart and indelible sense of awareness.
R.I.P.
Howard

August 19, 2016

William Klemann

Our deepest sympathy to Rozell's family and friends. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Bill and Mary

August 19, 2016

Dr Luis Pires

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Duncan for only 5 months as her periodontist. Rozell was always smiling and positive. I remember when she was really excited for her trip to China. She will be truly missed.

August 19, 2016

Barb Spencer

I was so sad to hear this news. Dr. Duncan was my academic advisor, teacher and mentor at Kent State University. I feel fortunate to have known her. She always had a bright smile, amazing attitude and was a tremendous help in my coming back to college as an adult student. I will never forget her! Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Barb Spencer (Kent State University)

August 18, 2016

Alicia Crowe

To the Duncan family. I am sorry to hear of your loss. Though I do not know any of you, you have been in my thoughts since I heard Tuesday. Roz was a wonderful colleague at Kent. She was always generous and giving to me as a junior colleague when I first met her and long after as I moved through the ranks. She cared deeply about her students and her field. She was a colleague we could all aspire to be like. She was a treasure, as of course you know better than anyone, and will be missed greatly here by many. I hope that the happy and loving memories you have of her fill your hearts and minds throughout these very hard days and weeks to come.

August 18, 2016

David, Yolanda and family.
So deeply saddened to read about Rozell's passing.I tried to reach her a few months back,but I didn't get an answer so I thought she was improving. Our last encounter was in the parking lot at Earthfare.
You have my heartfelt sympathy!
R.I.P DR Zell
Nancy Wilson

August 18, 2016

To the Duncan Family, you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. May God give you the needed strength to endure, during this very trying time.
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

TNF - OH

August 18, 2016

John Eldridge

My wife Linda and I worked with Rozelle for many years at the Department of Human Services. Roz was sharp and had a quick wit. While we haven't seen her for awhile we have fond memories of her.

To everyone in the Duncan family we send our deepest condolences.

Jack and Linda Eldridge

August 18, 2016

To the Duncan family...I am truly sorry for your loss. I will be out of town on Saturday and will not be able to attend the calling hours or funeral but you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Barb Maltby

August 18, 2016

To the Duncan Family,
May your good memories and your love for God and family give you the strength you need to get through this time of deep sorrow. You have my condolences. Romans 15:4

August 18, 2016

Please accept our deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers in the passing of Dr. Rozelle Duncan. Dr. Duncan was a cherished partner with United Christian Ministries. She graciously assisted interested students with connecting with our Internship program. She was beloved and respected by her students and all of us at UCM. May her legacy live on through those of us whose lives touched hers.

Peace and prayers,
Rev. Lauren Odell-Scott
Campus Minister
United Christian Ministries at Kent State University

August 18, 2016

Mozella and Willie Watts

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

August 18, 2016

Lisa Oddo

I am so sorry to hear of Rozell passing. She was an academic hearing officer at Kent State with my office over the last several years. I so appreciated her spunky, but fair attitude! Rozell always made me smile. My deepest sympathies. -Lisa Oddo, Assistant Director Office of Student Conduct at Kent State University.

August 18, 2016

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

August 17, 2016

Katrina Thelin

Rozell was a regular customer of mine who was always so kind and friendly. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing away and may she rest in peace.

August 17, 2016

Jennifer Galo

Rozell was always my favorite professor. She was an inspiration to many and I would always go out of my way to get to Kent State every time I returned to The States. She was always movtivating me to do more and to creative. She's the reason I received my second degree and the reason I started teaching. I wanted to be like her and give more students an opportunity to find a teacher who inspired them to be everything they could be without boundaries. I am absolutely heartbroken and can only hope that she continues to be a driving force in my life as well as others.

August 17, 2016

Takesia Davis

You have been my Aunt Rozelle for as long as I can remember. I cherish that. Sure do hate to lose you. Rest in Peace

Sincerely,
Takesia Davis

August 17, 2016

Lindsey Mace

I had the pleasure of getting to know Rozell as a student of hers at Kent State. I took 4 of her classes and frequently went to her for career guidance and mentoring. She was an extremely passionate and influential person. Rozell loved her family and always had the best stories to tell in her classes. I am so thankful for her service and passion. She always made time for her students, and truly cared about their education. I will always remember her as one of my favorite professors and educators. She will be missed. Rest in peace Dr. Duncan.

August 17, 2016

Laurie Sovich

Dr. Duncan was one of the brightest, spunkiest, sarcastic professors I ever had at Kent and I ADORED her. She expected nothing but excellence from her students and made us all a better person and student. I was an "older" student in her Senior Sem class and would look forward to her famous tag line as we left for the day, "See ya around...Same Bat time...Same Bat channel...None of the younger students knew that line and she was thrilled when someone finally did..I will forever hold a special place in my heart for you, Dr. D...R.I.P <3

August 17, 2016

On behalf of the Pan African Faculty and Staff Association please accept our sincere prayers during this time of sorrow. Dr. Duncan was an inspiration to all she came in contact with. She was a great communicator, and always full of joy and laughter. She loved her students, and always took great pride in sharing how wonderful the students were. She was a person who bought so much love to Kent State. She will be missed by her colleagues, and students, and the Pan African Faculty and Staff Association. Thank you for sharing your mom with us.

On behalf of:
Renee Romine, President, Kent State University Pan African Faculty and Staff Association

August 17, 2016

Laurie Beisecker

On behalf of the Fairlawn Parks & Recreation Department, Rozell was a ray of sunshine who will be missed. We could always count on her to make us laugh, whether it was because of stories about Lexi & Allison or about her travels, she kept up smiling whenever she was around. God Speed Rozell, you will be thought of often.

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Aug

20

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park - Akron

3653 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333

Aug

20

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park - Akron

3653 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333

Aug

20

Burial

Rose Hill Burial Park

OH

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Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park - Akron

3653 W Market St, Akron, OH 44333

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