Sara B. Duncan

Long time Tulsan, Sara Bangert Duncan, died June 30, 2024, after a full, happy, and productive life. Though born in Tulsa, she spent her early years in Mt. Pleasant, MI. She returned to Tulsa as a teen and graduated in 1950 from Will Rogers High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1954 from the University of Tulsa, where she was a Chi Omega, 1953 editor of the Kendallabrum, and Mortar Board member. She received her master’s degree in 1956 from the University of Missouri.

In 1959, she married Maurice G. “Maury” Duncan, who she met at TU. After a few years of working as a District Editor at the Oil & Gas Journal, she decided to devote herself to family and community volunteering. She had three children: Guerry Duncan and Barbara Duncan Balke of Houston, TX; and Nancy Duncan of Arlington, VA.

Over the years, she was a member of CPA Wives Club, Tulsa Kiwanitas, Alumni Associations for TU, MU, and Tulsa Area Panhellenic, the Women of the Golden Hurricane Club, PEO, The Mrs. Club, and Assistance League of Tulsa. She served in various leadership roles in many of these organizations, including President of Assistance League. She was a Chi Omega advisor for more than 20 years and the State Recruitment Chair for Oklahoma for 12 years. In 2002, she received a Chi Omega 50-year service award and in 2008 was named Tulsa Alumnae Panhellenic Woman of the Year. She was also a member of Heritage Sunday School Class at Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

Other endeavors included service as Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, PTA Board member, homeroom mother, baseball/softball scorekeeper, #1 youth soccer fan, one-time soccer coach, and Mothers Club member for Chi Omega, Delta Tau Delta, and Tri-Delta.

After Maury retired, Sara embarked on adventures with him to see the world and her kids. Highlights included Alaska, the St. Lawrence seaway, Mississippi river cruising, the California wine country, and Captiva Island, FL. Closer to home she loved reading, Men’s Club dances, and working Operation School Bell and Bargain’s ALOT for Assistance League. After Maury’s death in 2022, she moved to Houston to be closer to family. She continued to enjoy getting out to museums, the zoo, the Botanical Gardens, plays, and good restaurants.

Sara maintained close friendships from every phase of her life – her early years in Mt. Pleasant, her high school, college, grad school, the Journal, and all her organizations. She was Maury’s best friend. Her optimism, enthusiasm, and energy were catching. She had a special spark and zest for life until the end. She will be missed by many, especially her family. She is survived by her three children; beloved daughter-in-law, Robyn, and son-in-law, Brian; grandchildren Rachel, Camille, Lizzie, Jason, Kevin, Michael and Colin; nephews Rick Duncan and Garrett Duncan; nieces Karen Duncan, Judie Bangert, and Linda Bangert Smith.

A viewing will be held at Schaudt’s Funeral Home, 5757 S. Memorial, Tulsa, OK from 5-8pm on Friday, July 19. Services will be held at the same location at 11am, Saturday, July 20, with a reception following. Burial will be a private family ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery, Tulsa, OK. Donations may be made to the Assistance League of Tulsa, the Parkinson’s Foundation, or. Chi Omega Foundation (note – select Annual Fund).