Marian Worrell Duncan passed away peacefully on May 28, at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill with her
daughters by her side. She was born January 21, 1936 in a snowstorm, in Lake Waccamaw, North
Carolina, the first child of Herbert Munroe Worrell and wife, Annie Mae Flynn Worrell.
Marian graduated from Hallsboro High School and was a lifelong student, completing post secondary degrees at Campbell College, Southeastern Community College, the University of New York, and Central Michigan University where she received her Masters Degree in Public Health Administration.
Marian spent her entire career in Public Health and retired as Columbus County’s first female Health Director. She was passionate about her work and the people of Columbus County. During her career she served as an adjunct Instructor in the Department of Social Medicine at the School of Medicine at UNC Chapel Hill, as a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, the AHEC Public Health Advisory Board, the Columbus County Rural Health Center Board of Directors, Smart Start for Children Board of Directors, and the Columbus Interagency Board, as well as numerous other Boards and task forces related to HIV-Aids, children’s health, and drug and alcohol abuse. She was instrumental in establishing the health department’s first in house dental clinic and a mobile dental clinic to provide
dental care for underserved children in the county.
She was an active member of Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church, Columbus County Arts Council, Lake Waccamaw Women’s Club and the Aza-mellia Garden Club.
Marian leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Kaye Baggett and husband, Tal; Bess
Hux and husband, Allen; two granddaughters, Marianna Baggett and Ella Coleman; a sister, Sylvia
Johnson; and brothers Herbert “Butch” Worrell and wife Carol, and Larry Worrell and wife Sherry; as
well family and friends too numerous to name.
Marian was a world traveler and loved adventure, passions which likely helped foster her willingness to embrace new treatments for cancer. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, managing a courageous fight for her health which lasted over 20 years. Throughout Marian’s life and health journey she always believed that hope is the best medicine, and her positive attitude was an inspiration to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life is planned for 3 o’clock on Wednesday, June 1 at Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church. The family will receive guests in the church fellowship hall after the ceremony. Those who wish to honor her memory are encouraged to support the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas or Lake Waccamaw Presbyterian Church.
