Phyllis Duncan Palma

Phyllis Duncan Palma passed away Sept. 19, 2019 at the age of 46.
Duncan Palma was born June 22, 1973 in Wash- ington, Mo. She was a 1991 graduate of Ash Grove High School where she played volleyball, basketball, ran track, and was active in several clubs.
Duncan Palma first graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2000 with a degree as an exercise specialist. She then continued her education earning her master’s in physical therapy at Georgia State University in 2007, and then her doctorate in physical therapy from Alabama State University in 2009.
Duncan Palma joined Children’s Healthcare of At- lanta on the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit, Acute Care Program, Day Program, Advance Technology and Robotic Program and most recently served in the Seating and Positioning Department.
In 2015, she opened Palma Aquatic Therapy Services. As her business expanded, she also opened Palma Adaptive Swimming Services and had an active client base at the time of her passing.
She also guest lectured for physical therapy classes at Georgia State University, North Georgia College and State University, and Mercer University, and was published in several scientific and professional journals.
Duncan Palma was preceded in death by her father, Billy Dean Duncan, Sr. She is survived by her mother, Georgianne Simmons of Bolivar; two brothers, Bill Duncan and wife Cindy, of Willard; and Jerial Duncan of Bolivar; nieces Alli and Stefani Duncan; and Emily and husband Nathan Beeman of Willard; and great- nephew Leeden. She is also survived by uncles Chris Wilson and wife Elaine, Jon Wilson and wife Sharon, and Andy Wilson. Aunts Jeanne Ferneau and Jayne Wilson.
Duncan Palma was remembered with a memorial service to celebrate her life on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Sandy Springs Chapel in Atlanta, Ga. Services will also be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home in Ash Grove.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a schol- arship for PT/PTA students that is being created in her name or contributions can be made to the United States Quad Rugby Association. Contributions for the scholarship may be made out to the Georgia Founda- tion for Physical Therapy and mailed to 596 Concord Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30082. Write Phyllis Palma on the memo line. The funds will be sequestered until the scholarship details are finalized.
Contributions for quad rugby may be made out to the United States Quad Rugby Association and mailed to USQRA c/o Sid Christain, 4200 Tove Blvd, Hueytown, AL 35023. Write Phyllis Palma name on memo line.