Julia Lorraine Biser Duncan (Rainy), 92, Jacksonville, FL, peacefully transitioned into God's choir of angels on January, 8 2023. Rainy was the eleventh child, and last surviving offspring, of Erie and Lizzie Biser, born on March 5, 1930 in Adamstown, MD, Frederick County. Rainy was adored (and according to her) spoiled by her ten older siblings. Growing up on a huge dairy farm, Rainy enjoyed the constant activity around her. She said she was never lonely because there were always friends, family, neighbors and others swirling around her. She thrived off being the youngest and was "the baby of the family" all of her life. Whether it was the family and neighbors playing baseball in the cow pasture, or family hymn sing-a-longs by the piano or getting into mischief with her brothers and sisters on the farm, Rainy was filled with wonderful memories and stories of her life on the farm.
Rainy graduated from Frederick County High School where she was a member of the Glee Club. Her passion, love and gift of song remained with her all her life. Rainy was especially proud of her grandchildren's accomplishments in the field of music each becoming very talented musicians and vocalists no doubt as a result of their grandmother's influence. Rainy was a faithful choir member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, FL. Later in life Rainy created, organized for over five years directed an on-site choir for the Cypress Village Christian Worship at Cypress Village Retirement Community. She also enjoyed attending symphony concerts with her family and friends.
Rainy met the love of her life, James Thomas Duncan (Jim), in Washington, D.C. On June 23, 1949 they were married in Adamstown Church of Christ. Rainy and Jim shared 63 years of marriage living first in Wheaton, MD, and then Philadelphia, PA, Atlanta, GA and settling in Jacksonville, FL. When they retired, they traveled cross county visiting almost all of the US National Parks. Rainy always cherished this time of good health, amazing destinations and making friends all along the way.
Rainy was employed with People's Life Insurance Company, Washington, DC for four years. She was a long term homemaker raising her two daughters. Rainy worked in telephone sales for Sears and Roebuck company back in the days of catalog buying prior to the internet. Her final position was Supervisor and she retired after ten years from the State of Florida, Department of Vital Statistics, Jacksonville, FL.
Rainy resided at Cypress Village Retirement Community, Jacksonville, FL, where she volunteered on the Scholarship Fund committee. She actively encouraged people to pursue higher education. Rainy was a friend to everyone she met. She hosted social events in her home for friends, neighbors and she was the life of the party. Her smile and laughter would fill the room with joy. Her favorite occasions were when her family came to visit for birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year celebrations. Rainy was always known within the family for her wonderful cooking and especially her homemade bread.

Rainy is preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Duncan; her son-in-laws, Charles Hammons and Charles Goddard; her siblings, Richard Calvin Biser, Frances Elizabeth Biser Henn, Margaret Coblentz Biser Ringer, Helen Biser Snook, Marietta Biser Lewis, Joseph Erie Biser, Paul Melvin Biser, Martin Roland Biser, Dorothy Ellen Biser Southerly and Katharine Beatrice Biser Houff.
Rainy is survived by her daughters, Lynn Dianne Duncan (Larry Halstead) and Jan Duncan Goddard; grandchildren, Charles Fielder Goddard II (Megan), Rachel Lorraine Goddard Claiborne (Sean) and Duncan Gregory Hammons; great-grandchildren, Charlies Fielder Goddard III and Clara Lynn Goddard; plus 200 nieces and nephews.

Rainy is leaving an amazing legacy of loving life and truly living it to its fullest.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice or Cypress Village Christian Worship, (Contact Barbara Hooper) 4600 Middleton Park Circle East, Jacksonville, FL, 32224.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cypress Village Egret Hall on Sunday, January 15 between 2:00 and 3:30 pm. All are welcome to join this celebration of Rainy's life. In honor of Rainy, please wear vibrant colors and/or sparkles.

A private family grave side service will be conducted at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home