News Summary
Adassa Ellen Duncan, a cherished figure in the Williamsburg community, has passed away at the age of 88. Born in Jamaica, she dedicated over three decades to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and was known for her warmth, culinary skills, and joyful presence at the Williamsburg Church of Christ. Her legacy is carried on by her husband, children, and numerous grandchildren. The community holds a visitation and celebration of her life, honoring her contributions and the love she shared with many.
Williamsburg, Virginia—Adassa Ellen Duncan, a beloved member of the Williamsburg community, passed away peacefully at home on September 22, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.
Born on March 14, 1937, in St. Mary, Jamaica, West Indies, Adassa was the second child of Aaron Gobourne and Theresa Braham. She married Martel Duncan in 1963, and together they moved to Williamsburg in 1973, where they built a life surrounded by family and friends.
Adassa dedicated over 30 years of her career to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and also worked as a room service attendant at the Williamsburg Lodge. Known affectionately as the “Avon Lady,” she made her mark by delivering Avon products throughout the city, fostering connections with many residents.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Adassa was known for her culinary skills, particularly her fruit cakes, patties, and coconut drops, which were a favorite among family and friends. A passionate gardener, she took great joy in cultivating her flower garden and often found solace in the clear waters of the Jamaican coast, where she loved to swim.
For over 45 years, Adassa was a cherished member of the Williamsburg Church of Christ, where her joyful singing voice filled the church sanctuary with melody, enriching the lives of those around her.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Martel L. Duncan, and her four children: sons Donat Duncan and Courtney Duncan of Williamsburg, Virginia, and daughters Orpha Eccles of Newport News, Virginia, and Martey Boothe (Darrell) of Surry, Virginia. Adassa also leaves behind seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Her legacy continues through her surviving siblings: Gertrude Gobourne Brown, Valrey Gobourne Young, Pauline Fowles, and brother Floyd Gobourne.
Adassa was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brothers Henry Gobourne and Ronald Fowles, sister Desreen Gobourne, and grandson Christopher Jones. Known to her family as “Ms. Pansy,” she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of her loved ones.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at the visitation scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg. A celebration of Adassa’s life will take place on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Williamsburg Church of Christ, followed by a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Williamsburg Memorial Park Cemetery.
The community remembers Adassa as a pillar of warmth, kindness, and service, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
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Additional Resources
- WYDaily: Adassa Ellen Duncan
- Wikipedia: Williamsburg, Virginia
- Dignity Memorial: Adassa Duncan
- Google Search: Adassa Duncan
- WYDaily: Janet Easton Savage
- Google Scholar: Williamsburg community
- WYDaily: Margaret Pearl Marchiano
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Williamsburg
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
