Lucia "L.D." Dezire Duncan

Lucia Dezire Duncan, affectionately known as Dezire and L. D., was born on the 16th day of May 1965, and passed away on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from complications from the treatment of cancer.  Cancer did not cause her death — the treatment of that cancer did.

Dezire was the 8th child of Jim and Peggy Harper and was the baby doll of the family.   She was born with beautiful, curly dark hair and eyelashes that were thick and lay on her cheekbones.  She was small but mighty - standing not much over 5 feet tall.

Dezire met and fell in love with Shannon Duncan when they were just kids - still in high school. Being a farmer/rancher’s wife and being outdoors was exactly who she was meant to be.   They married on July 2, 1983, and were still sweethearts, always together - whether that was raising their three children, Shea, Stormey, and Breanna, rescuing and raising horses, cattle, sheep, farming, or showing cattle all over the United States as a family. She could build fence, haul hay and feed, and take care of all of the animals – all right there beside Shannon. They were together for 43 years. Summer months were often spent at Possum Kingdom Lake, at the family place, making cherished memories with those she loved most. From the early days after she and Shannon first met and married, through the years of raising their children, the lake was a backdrop to so many chapters of their life together. Those days were filled with sunshine, boat rides, cookouts, laughter echoing across the water, and the simple joy of being together as a family. As their children grew, so did the memories made there — moments of togetherness that her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

In March of 1985, Dezire and Shannon had Shea, followed by Stormey in 1988 and Breanna in 1990, and were very proud grandparents of four beautiful grandchildren, James, Felicia, Sarah Beth, and Shawn.  

Dezire was a proud Meridian Rocket, attending Meridian Elementary for eight years before graduating from Comanche High School. She started her employment journey at Panel’s grocery store there in Meridian. She worked in other places throughout, but was determined to build a new future. She enrolled in a displaced homemaker’s program at the vo-tech and was accepted into the surgical technology program. From there, she soared in the medical field. Dezire continued her education, earning her associate degree in 2006, and her bachelor’s degree in 2010.

L.D. devoted 18 years to Duncan Regional Hospital, beginning her career as a surgical technologist before becoming a Registered Nurse. Through hard work and dedication, she rose to serve as head of the surgical department. Later, she stepped down to pursue home health and hospice nursing — a calling that perfectly reflected her big heart and deep compassion.

Over the years, she worked with several home health and hospice providers, always mentoring new nurses and assistants and guiding them in the meaningful work of caring for families during life’s most difficult moments. L.D. was simply the best. She touched countless patients and families, walking beside them with strength, tenderness, and unwavering dedication during some of their hardest days.

Though Dezire (L.D.) was a true country girl at heart, she discovered the emerald waters of the Navarre–Destin area and fell in love with the white sands, the rolling waves, and the peaceful rhythm of the beach. The ocean became one of her happy places, where she could rest, reflect, and simply enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.

She loved all of her family and was always proud of being one of those Harper kids.

Dezire is survived by her husband, Shannon Duncan, her three children, Shea, Stormey, Breanna and her husband, David, and her grandchildren, Sarah Beth, Shawn, James, and Felicia.   She is also survived by the big Harper family, Suzanne Owens, Ginger and Billy Huff, Shari Sullivan, Jamie and Paula Harper, Shane and Krista Harper, Laurie and Steven Smith, and nieces and nephews, and her many cousins - they were one big Harper family.   She is also survived by her father-in-law, Dickie Duncan, her sister-in-law, Krishandi Houck, and Jamie Houck and their children, her brother-in-law, Chris Duncan, and his children.

Dezire was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Peggy Harper, a brother, Shawn Harper, her mother-in-law, Norma Duncan, and grandparents on both sides of the family.

Truly, to have known Dezire (L.D.) was to love her. She had the biggest smile, brightest eyes, best attitude, and a king-size heart in a little bitty body.  She worked hard, loved hard, and was always willing to help. The world simply will not ever be the same without her.

Cremation arrangements are being handled by Whitt Funeral Home/Oakcrest Cremation Center.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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