Cynthia Ann Harrell Duckett

On August 27th, 2021, Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Harrell Duckett passed away peacefully in Franklin Springs, GA.

Cindy or, “Cici” as her grandchildren referred to her, was an aggressive breast cancer warrior who remained in remission for ten years. She was known to be a nurturing mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, and lifetime friend. Her gentle spirit and humble heart were admired by everyone who had the gift to make her acquaintance and especially by those who truly knew her. She enjoyed the beach, being at the pool, and helping people.

Cindy was the second born child of Willard Franklin Harrell, Sr. and Nora Reynoso Harrell. She is remembered with deep love and gratitude by her four sisters and one brother including Margarita Roe (Sylvan Springs, AL), Jennifer Thomas (Royston, GA), Lisa Boyd (Athens, GA), Diana Harrell (Athens, GA), and J.R. Harrell (Royston, GA).

The Harrell family moved to the Franklin County area in 1980 from the town of Dunedin, FL. Nine years later Cindy graduated from Madison County High School. She married Brian Duckett, the love of her life, in 1990 and family became her priority. She is survived by Brian, her daughter Maria Duckett Irwin, and her son Tyler Duckett, all residents of Royston.

Though her large family abounds with love, strength and personality, Cindy was known as the family peace speaker. She was a wise voice of reason and a nurturing presence to those around her, especially her family. Cindy possessed the gift of making others feel good about themselves whether it was with a funny quip or a piece of sage advice. She was the best listener and often her presence was enough to bring peace.

There was no role Cindy relished more than being “Cici” to Maria’s beautiful boys, Owen, 7 years old, and Lucius, almost a year old. Six Flags, holiday parties, and trips to the movies were her specialty. Her nephew Parker Boyd, 5 years old, was like her third child. She made sure he felt as special as her own. Cindy had a knack for making all of her nephews and her niece feel special.

Cindy Harrell Duckett is survived by her extensive family tree including her sister-in-law Erin Harrell, brothers-in-law Steve Roe, Brock Boyd, and Tim Thomas. Niece Stephanie Cochran, nephews Christopher Roe (deceased), Andrew and Tanner Thomas, Wyatt, Luke, and Jake Harrell, and Parker Boyd.

Khalil Gibran’s epic poem “The Prophet” rhapsodizes that “Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” And so it goes with the 50 short years we had with our Cindy. This is a pain that we have not encountered before, but there is one magnificent certainty - Cindy’s life and love were not lived in vain. She fulfilled great purpose with the simplicity of her love. Her serene spirit has left an indelible mark on our family that will continue to hold us tightly together in her memory.


Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 4th, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bowman, GA. Visitation starts at 11:00 AM and the memorial follows at 12 noon.

Flowers are accepted and contributons may be made in her memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Harrell Duckett.