November 17, 1958 – May 26, 2026
Mrs. Zerita Ann Duncan, age 67, of Rossville, departed this life Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Common Spirit Memorial Hospital North Georgia.
Zerita was born November 17, 1958, in Murray County, a daughter of the late Steve and Georgia Bowen Luffman. She was also preceded in death by her husband and the love of her life, Michael Duncan; her son, Steven Ballew; and her special friend and “brother,” Jacky Head.
Zerita spent more than 30 years faithfully serving others throughout her career. She began working at Murray Medical Center in the Emergency Room, where she dedicated 20 years caring for patients and helping families during difficult times. She later continued her service to the community with Murray County E-911 as a dispatcher. Throughout the public safety community, she was affectionately known as “Mama Z.” Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and citizens alike knew that when Mama Z was on duty, everyone would be cared for with compassion, kindness, and professionalism.
Outside of her work, Zerita’s greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with them. Following her retirement from dispatch, she enjoyed listening to music, spending treasured time with family, and challenging herself with trivia games, one of her favorite pastimes.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, LaWanda Neighbors of Rossville; sons and daughters-in-law, Shawn and Tracie Duncan of Chickamauga GA; and Shane and Stephanie Duncan of Jasper GA; grandchildren, Tanner (Desirae) Neighbors of Rossville GA; Nicholas Neighbors, Piper Duncan; and Willow Duncan, of Jasper GA; great-grandchildren, Kolston Neighbors and Lakelynn Neighbors of Rossville GA; and Leah Duncan of Chickamauga GA; along with several extended family members and many dear friends.
Services to celebrate the life of Zerita Ann Duncan will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Jerry Lewis officiating. She will be laid to rest at Luffman Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to the funeral home to assist with funeral arrangements.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, (706) 226-4002.
