Mrs. Avis V. Johnson-Duncan

Mrs. Avis V. Johnson-Duncan of Colorado Springs, CO transitioned to be with our Heavenly Father at 5:07 a.m. MST on Monday, November 7, 2022 surrounded by family at Penrose Hospital, Colorado Springs, CO. Avis was born to proud parents Girline & Sterling Johnson on September 14, 1961 in Peoria, IL. Being the baby girl of five children, she was the “apple of their eye” holding a special place in their hearts. Avis confessed that she loved the Lord and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at an early age in Peoria and attended services there. Inheriting the voice of a songbird from her father, she was a member of their gospel choir until her move to Colorado Springs. Avis met and married Howard A. "Sonny" Duncan, Jr. and they celebrated 31 years of marriage. After their marriage they moved to Colorado to work with the USA Junior Olympic Boxing team. They enjoyed extensive travel with the boxers to places like Cuba, Greece, Michigan, Russia, the Bahamas, Atlanta, Puerto Rico, Australia, London and Rio de Janerio. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2019. Avis was a proud 1979 graduate of Peoria Manual High School participating as a cheerleader, a 1982 graduate of Midstate College and she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Regis University in 1999. Avis had gainful employment at Farmers Insurance and began her time in management with Time Warner (now known as Spectrum) in 2002 from which she retired in July of 2022 after becoming ill. Having a beautiful voice as a young woman, she was often encouraged to try out for reality shows such as Star Search and American Idol. She also participated in several beauty contests as a youth, winning the local Elks beauty queen contest. Avis had a gardener’s thumb with the ability to grow flourishing green plants. She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, and crafts. Avis was an avid bingo player, often traveling to remote Indian reservations or Las Vegas to engage in a tournament. She loved to roller skate as a youth and continued to do so as an adult. She liked to read, cook, and enjoyed home improvement…always with a tape measure in hand. But, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. To celebrate her life and cherish her memories are her loving and devoted son Andrew (Jennifer) Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO; stepdaughters Kathie Reed of Waterloo, IA, Tara Duncan of Galesburg, IL, and Davonne Duncan of Orange, NJ; her mother Girline Johnson of Peoria, IL; sisters Regina (Keith) Hayes of Los Angeles, CA and Lynnette Lee of Peoria, IL; and one brother Lester (Cassaundra) Johnson of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her grandchildren who held a very special place in her heart: Kilara Olson, Andrew Johnson II, Josiah Johnson, Arayah Johnson, and Micah Johnson all of Colorado Springs, CO; her lifelong friend Tonya Strong of Peoria, IL; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly. She is preceded in death by her husband Howard Duncan; stepson Howard "Skip" Duncan III; father Sterling Johnson; mother-in-law Louise Duncan; brother Henry Humbles; nephew Vilancio Johnson, and brothers-in-law Carlos Duncan and Ronnie Lee. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on December 10, 2022 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 305 S. Madison Park Terrace, Peoria, IL 61605. A gathering of family and friends will commence at 10:30 a.m. with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Rev. James Flemming will officiate. A repast will be held immediately following at George Washington Carver Community Center, 710 W. Third St. (Honorary Percy Baker Avenue) in Peoria. Avis has requested her ashes be spread amongst her most favorite places. Memorial contributions can be directed to the family for an educational fund for her grandchildren. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com. The service will be live streamed on Simons Mortuary's Website or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Simons-Mortuary-232095303487150 promptly AT THE TIME OF THE SERVICE (Central Time). Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mrs. Avis V. Johnson-Duncan

September 14, 1961 - November 7, 2022