Jacob Dylan Duncan

Jacob Dylan Duncan, age 22, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away on June 12, 2025, at Erlanger Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga. Born on May 30, 2003, in Whitesburg, Kentucky, Jacob was the beloved son of Vernon and Rebecca Duncan.

Jacob spent his early childhood in the mountains of Kentucky before moving with his parents to Cleveland, TN, where he would grow up and build a life full of love, laughter, and faith. From the very beginning, Jacob’s adventurous spirit and boundless energy were evident to all who knew him. He never met a stranger and could light up any room with his endless stories, infectious smile, and genuine kindness.

Jacob was a beacon of hope, strength, and unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity. Diagnosed with cancer in 2016, he fought bravely and overcame that initial battle, despite enduring long-term effects. In 2024, Jacob received a second diagnosis and was undergoing treatment at the time of his passing. Throughout his nine-year journey with illness, Jacob remained resilient and optimistic, inspiring all who knew him with his courage, grace, and servant’s heart.

He was a proud member of First Baptist Church and lived out his faith daily through his actions, always finding ways to uplift others even while enduring his own struggles.

Jacob’s passions were many. As a child, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football, but as he grew, his love for cooking and connecting with others became central to his life. After graduating from Walker Valley High School in 2022, Jacob attended Cleveland State Community College, where he became deeply involved with the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. One of his greatest joys was helping prepare and serve meals to fellow students each week. He dreamed of attending culinary school and one day opening his own restaurant after completing his cancer treatments.

Jacob was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Wayne Gibson; paternal grandmother, Dora Duncan; maternal aunt, Tabitha Back and cousin, Russell Duncan.

He is survived by his loving parents, Vernon and Rebecca Duncan; maternal grandmother, Janice Gibson; maternal aunt Cheryl Gibson and maternal uncle Greg Gibson; paternal aunts Rozetta Adams and Novella Sexton; paternal uncle Donnie Duncan; and numerous cousins: Danielle Eckels, Justin Gibson, PJ Back, Hannah Adams, Benji Adams, Tabitha Sexton, Aaron Sexton, Kevin Duncan, and Tyler Duncan.

He also leaves behind special friends Eddie and Rita Goodine, along with countless other friends, mentors, and extended family whose lives were made brighter by Jacob’s love and presence.

Jacob’s life was a testimony of faith, resilience, and compassion. Though his time with us was far too short, the impact he made will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 1 P. M. at First Baptist Church in Cleveland with Pastor Justin Worden officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 A. M. until 1 P. M. Saturday, June 21, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Cleveland. Another service for Jacob will be conducted on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in the Chapel of the Letcher Funeral Home in Whitesburg, Kentucky, 102 Main Street Whitesburg, Kentucky 41858, With Pastor Travis Hall officiating. The family will receive friends from 11 A. M. until 1 P. M. Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in the Chapel of the Letcher Funeral Home in Whitesburg. The family request in lieu of flowers, Memorials be made to Lana's Love Foundation by going to lanaslove.com or to The Grayson Foundation by going to the graysonfoundation.net. The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the Cleveland arrangements. You may share your condolences and your memories with Jacob's family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.