Resident of the Month

This month, we are proud to shine a spotlight on one of our most spirited and inspiring residents, Dorothy (Smith) Duncan.
Dorothy was born in Westminster, South Carolina, and raised in the rural community of Long Creek, nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of eleven children, Dorothy grew up surrounded by family, hard work, and rich Appalachian tradition. Her upbringing was anything but ordinary—her father was well known in the area for producing some of the finest “legal” moonshine in the county (or so the story goes ), adding a bit of colorful history to her roots.
Today, Dorothy is one of four remaining siblings and carries with her a lifetime of resilience, strength, and cherished memories. In her younger years, she was a champion bowler, earning numerous trophies and accolades, and she also had a remarkable talent for sales, consistently standing out as a top performer and earning recognition for her achievements.
Dorothy married her husband, Leland Duncan, at a young age, and together they built a beautiful life raising their two sons, Lee and Andy, in Seneca, South Carolina. Leland was an avid hunter and fisherman, and the two shared a love for the outdoors. After his passing in 1987, Dorothy continued forward with grace and independence, eventually moving to the Dorchester area, where they had planned to retire. There, she lived on a stunning 58-acre property, surrounded by wildlife including deer, turkey, and other native animals she deeply enjoyed.
A devoted woman of faith, Dorothy became even more involved in her church community over the years, which opened the door to incredible travel opportunities. She has visited 42 states and several countries, including Israel, France, Belgium, Mexico, and Canada, along with memorable cruise adventures.
Today at Wildcat, Dorothy continues to inspire those around her. She is a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, a devoted Christian, and one of our most dedicated cornhole players—often seen practicing her throws well into the evening.
Dorothy’s story is one of strength, faith, family, and a life well-lived—and we are honored to have her as part of our Wildcat family.