ASHEVILLE - Marie Duncan Buckner made her way into the arms of her Savior on September 12th, 2026. She relied on Him for nearly all of her 88 years, and what a joyous day for her to finally see His face. We rejoice for her peace, her healing, and her eternal worship at the foot of the throne. We weep only for our great loss of her love and compassion.

Marie was born August 22, 1938, to the late Elzie and Alfreda Deweese Duncan. Those who welcomed her into Heaven along with her beloved parents were her older brothers Thomas “Tommy” Duncan and Roy Duncan. Though assuredly, the one there she longed to see first was her infant son who preceded her in death, Carrol Lee Sanford.

Left to treasure her memory are her younger brother, Joe Duncan; and younger sisters, Linda Bowyer and Norma Roberson; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Those that will feel her loss the greatest are the ones that she treasured the most dearly, her children: Beverly Burnette (Tony), Debi Londono, Ricky Sanford (Sarah), Vicky Wilson (Darrell), and Carolyn Young (Jim). Her “Girls”, as she called them, were the ones who spent the past four years taking care of her since her stroke. They gave all of themselves to make sure that she was well taken care of. Also left to treasure her memory are her seventeen grandchildren and her twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

Marie would say that before all things she was a faithful servant of Jesus Christ. As a dedicated member of West Asheville House of Prayer you could always count on her for prayer, guidance, Bible study or instruction, or to simply tell you just how wonderful a Savior she had. She will be remembered as a committed follower of Christ.

She was a devoted mother to her five children, and she was a wonderful Mamaw. She was doting, loving, soft, and kind. She loved with an unconditional kind of love, a kind of love that made her someone you could always rely on. She will be remembered as an amazing Mom and Mamaw.

Marie was generous to a fault. She loaned countless amounts of money to people in need without ever thinking of repayment; she gave cars, clothes, food, treasures; she bought something for a family member or friend at every shopping trip; and she gave generously of her time. Her joy was to cook Sunday Dinner for her children, grandchildren, and later, her great-grandchildren. She often would say she was “feeding the King’s Kids.” She will be remembered for her generosity.

Marie was funny, and she had a wonderful sense of humor. She often had a smile on her face and joke to crack. Her wheezing laugh was always contagious to those around her. She will be remembered for that laugh.

Her Celebration of Life will be held at 5pm on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at West Funeral Home in Weaverville, NC. Ricky Sanford will be officiating.

Prayers for her family are welcomed, and they encourage you to love Christ, love your family, give generously, and laugh often in remembrance of Marie. The family wishes to thank both the staff of CarePartners Hospice, and Cindy Muro for her tender loving care of Marie. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to CarePartners Hospice through WNC Bridge Foundation at https://wncbridge.org/.

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving the Buckner family during this time.