Former congressman's wife, Lynn Duncan, dies after battling health issues

Lynn Duncan, philanthropist and wife of former 2nd Congressional District representative John J. "Jimmy" Duncan, died on Sunday after a long illness at 72.

Duncan supported her husband's 30-year career in Congress while living in Knoxville with their children. She was active in Knox County organizations, worked for the Boys & Girls Clubs on both local and national levels and was appointed to the Probation and Parole Board by former Tennessee Gov. Don Sundquist.

She was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and later Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. 

Duncan was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Hawkins, and father, Glen H. Hawkins. She is survived by her husband and their four children, Tara Duncan Richardson, Whitney Duncan Brown, John J. Duncan III, and Zane Duncan. Duncan also had nine grandchildren, who her husband described as "the lights of her life." 

Her son John Duncan III said in a Facebook post:

"God has blessed me in so many ways that I don’t deserve and being Lynn Duncan’s son is at the top of the list of things I’ll always be thankful for. I love you Mom and I will miss you so much!”

Several politicians close to the Duncan family gave their condolences Monday, commending Duncan for her fight with illness and her impact on East Tennessee.

In a statement Sen. Lamar Alexander said, "Lynn Duncan was both caring and resilient and, especially these last few years, a courageous fighter. Honey and I have enjoyed a long and good friendship with Lynn and Jimmy and the Duncan family. We send to them our love and our greatest respect for Lynn’s life.”

Congressman Chuck Fleischmann shared his comments, stating, "Lynn was a pillar of the Knoxville community and an example of selfless devotion to serving others. Throughout my time in Congress, I got to know Lynn and know how much her work meant to her community and her family. East Tennessee is a better place because of her life and service, and we will all greatly miss Lynn. Brenda and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the Duncan family during this time of grief.” 

Former Tennessee governor and Knoxville mayor Bill Haslam said, “Lynn Duncan was kind and fearless, a rare combination. She truly loved East Tennessee and she served us all in so many ways."

Additionally, the former governor's father and Knoxville businessman Jim Haslam said, "Lynn was a very special person and a strong advocate for her husband’s career and for her beloved family. But, even more importantly, she was dedicated to our entire community. Through her work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and Lincoln Memorial University to her exemplary service when she was appointed by Gov. Don Sundquist to the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, Lynn gave her all to everything she did." 

A funeral service will be held at Temple Baptist Church on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Knoxville. The Rev. Clarence Sexton will officiate the service. The eulogy will be delivered by Hallerin Hill and music performed by Con Hunley.