Community Corner
Brandon Family of 9 Receives Home of Their Own
The Duncan family was devastated and penniless after the death of the head of the family, Brian Duncan, last year. But thanks to the support of the community, the family of nine is making plans to move into their own home.
There was little to celebrate last Christmas at the Duncans' rented Brandon home.
Shawny Duncan, 38, the mother of eight children, ages 21 months to 17 years old, tried to get the family into the spirit of the season by putting up a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments the children made.
But there was none of the singing and laughter that usually accompanied the family's tree trimmings.
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The person who was responsible for leading the holiday merriment was no longer there.
Forty-seven-year-old Brian Duncan, husband to Shawny and father of the eight children, collapsed in the kitchen two days after Thanksgiving and died of a heart attack.
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"He was an awesome father," said Shawny of her late husband. "He loved the Lord and he loved his family. He was a father who actually played with his kids. The week he died, he had a tea party with all the girls. He was very affectionate."
Deeply religious, the Duncans believed children were gifts from God. As such, their family grew in accordance to God's will during their 19-year marriage, said Shawny. And the couple decided early on that Shawny would remain at home and home school the children based on Scriptural teachings.
"When Brian died, I immediately thought, 'How do I do this by myself?' " recalled Shawny. "He was my best friend.
"Then I realized that I wasn't alone, that I needed to call on God."
Not only was Shawny suddenly thrust into the role of both mother and father to eight children, she somehow had to find a way to sustain the family without Brian's income from his home painting and remodeling business.
"I thought of all the children had and now don't have," said Shawny. "I wanted them to have what they had. I was exasperated, exhausted and overwhelmed."
The family lived in a rented home in Brandon that Shawny could no longer afford. And, without a job of her own, there were everyday living expenses to consider.
"We had a bad month the month after Brian died," she said. "I never imagined I'd lose him so soon. My grief was immeasurable."
But Shawny soon discovered she wasn't alone. There was an entire community prepared to pitch in and help her.
"After a newspaper article (in the St. Petersburg Times) came out, the community donated $11,000 to pay our rent for a year," said Shawny.
Then, with the help of the Greater Brandon Community Foundation and various community fundraisers, the Duncans recently were able to purchase a home off Valrico Road for $50,000.
"There were people who gave $50 pledges for 10 months, people who didn't even know us," said Shawny. "It was such a blessing. I'm speechless at the support of the community."
The Duncans hope to move into their new home next month. The lease on their current rented home is up at the end of December. However, the new house requires a number of repairs to make it habitable.
It needs new plumbing, toilets, bathtubs, floor repairs and wall repairs, among other things.
"There's a long list of repairs that need to be made," said Shawny. "It adds up to about $15,000. But we've come this far. There's no way God is going to desert us now."
Shawny said there are professionals willing to do the work if they can come up with the funds for the supplies.
"I have faith," she said. "I think it's going to happen."
This year the family revived their tradition of decorating the Christmas tree with songs and food.
The family is slowly healing.
"We'll never forget Brian," said Shawny. "But now we can weep sweet tears. I still have moments when it hurts or I feel like I'm in a fog. But I have hope. I believe God has a plan and a purpose for my life."
Anyone wanting to contribute to the Home for the Duncans fund can send checks or money orders to Bible Fellowship, 1704 Surrey Trail, Wimauma, FL, 33598, and write "Duncan Family" on the memo line.
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