Claranelle Adams Duncan passed away Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was born January 22, 1928, to the late Nathaniel and Alta Belle Adams in Kendrick, Florida.
Early in her childhood, Claranelle was baptized and became a member of Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church in Martin, Florida. She continued her membership at Progressive Union throughout her life.
She graduated high school from Fessenden Academy in 1946. She briefly attended Dillard University before continuing her education at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical College (FAMC). She graduated from FAMC in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Following her graduation, she was employed for approximately fifteen years at Munroe Memorial Hospital, working in the Colored Wing of the hospital. Later she served as the nurse for Dr. Ernest E. Lamb, a professional relationship that lasted for more than 25 years. Her specialty was obstetrics and gynecology. She was known for having assisted in the delivery of many babies in the Ocala area.
During the time of her employment at Munroe Memorial Hospital, she married Theodore D. “Douglas” Taylor, a union to which three children were born (Patricia, Theodore and Cedric). The marriage ended in 1969. In December 1980, Claranelle Adams was joined in loving, holy matrimony to Alphonso Duncan. The marriage lasted until his death in 2008.
Claranelle was a loving, doting mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Frequently, she traveled throughout central and south Florida, to other states in the country and internationally to visit with her children and grandchildren. An avid football fan, she loved her FAMU Rattlers, and the Pittsburgh Steelers coached by Mike Tomlin. She often attended Homecoming and Florida Classic football games as a proud FAMU Rattler. She was a devoted friend to members of her community. Her kindhearted, loving, charitable personality endeared her to many who eagerly regarded and accepted her as their family.
She followed her mother into the Order of Eastern Star where she was a longtime member of Virginia Bell Chapter #154.
A pinnacle of her life was an evening spent with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Claranelle Adams Duncan leaves to cherish her memories a very loving and devoted daughter, Patricia Taylor Johnson (Thomas) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Theodore N. Taylor (Sharon) of Riverview, Florida and Cedric D. Taylor (Marcia) of Brandon, Florida; grandchildren, Aaron N. Taylor (Lisa) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Tami Johnson (Terrance) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Mesha Stubbs (Keith) of Riverview, Florida; Donnie Melton (Gigi) of Tampa, Florida; Wesley B. Taylor of Tampa, Florida; Sean Taylor (Shambrey) of Tampa, Florida; Shea Taylor of Tampa, Florida; great-grandchildren, Devin, Shamar, Amira, Sy’aire, Sa’riya; cousin, Gloria Camp of Fort Washington, Maryland; god-daughter, Joann Jackson of Atlanta, Georgia; and special family members, Martha Adeymo, Kimberly Adeymo-Gallien; Carlita Miller, Toni Mountain, Ingrid Hambrick and a host of loyal and devoted family and friends.