Elease Burton Duckson

Elease B. Duckson, age 73, of Columbia, South Carolina, peacefully departed this life on May
13, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 4, 1950 in Joanna,
South Carolina to the late Eddie and Zelia Burton.
Elease was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was known
for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith. Elease touched the lives of all who knew
her with her warmth and compassion.
Elease was one of the first black graduates of Clinton High School in 1968.before mandatory
integration. She earned her B.A. in Accounting from South Carolina State University in 1972.
Elease later received a MA in Business Management from Webster University in 1988.
Elease retired after 35 years from the S.C. Department of Social Services as the Chief
Financial Director having received many awards and accolades from her employees and
colleagues. She also managed the family finances for family businesses, personal taxes, and
investments.
Elease was a life long learner. She was always engaged in enrichment activities such as
upholstery, knitting, crocheting and ceramics. She was involved in family heritage, ancestry,
and genealogy. She was the family historian for the Speaks Family Reunion for over 50 years.
She was able to trace our family heritage back to Africa.
She was a member of Mt. Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church where she joined at an
early age. Mt. Olive is where she found solace and strength in her faith. She was Vice Chair
of Commission of Stewardship and Finance. Elease served on the Steward Board and was
active in the Women Missionary Society.
Elease dedicated her life to serving others and was actively involved in community outreach
programs. She was a girl scout troop leader. She was swim team chaperone of the
Greenview Dolphins of Columbia, SC.
She is survived by her daughter, Delia Gibbs, grandson, Michael J Gibbs II both of North
Charleston, SC. Two brothers: John Earl Burton, Sr. of Clinton, SC and Luther Burton
(Dianne) of Atlanta, Ga.; One sister: Dianne Caldwell of Columbia, SC; seven nieces, and two
nephews, five great nieces, and four great nephews. They will cherish her memory and carry
on her legacy.

In addition to her parents, Elease was preceded in death by her siblings: Sarah Ethel
Roberson, Larry Burton, and Jeanette Glasgow and her son-in-law Michael Gibbs, Sr.
Elease will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Her love, laughter, and wisdom will
continue to inspire and guide us forever.​

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