Hello

Welcome to the “Did You Know” page of the Dunbar Carver Museum website. It is the goal of the Museum to tell the story and preserve the history and legacy of African Americans in Haywood County. This page is dedicated to their story, told through their eyes.

Mr. John Allen Duckworth, Jr., December 30, 1942 – October 20, 2025

John Allen Duckworth, Jr. was a man whose life bore quiet witness to faith, service, and steadfast love. Born on December 30, 1942, in Brownsville, Tennessee. John’s roots were firmly planted in family, church, and community.

John’s professional life was marked by diligence, leadership, and respect. He served as a Supervisor at Caterpillar, Inc. in Decatur, Illinois, building a distinguished career spanning 35 years. Upon retirement, he returned home—both physically and spiritually—to Brownsville. Together with his beloved wife, Bettye Sue Duckworth, he built their family home in 2000, just down the road from his parents’ home. Their house became a gathering place of love, tradition, and celebration—and strategic community engagement planning sessions.

John was a proud 1960 graduate of Carver High School. John was committed to the preservation and legacy of the school for generations of alumni and their descendants. From 2004 to 2012 he served as the First Vice President of the Dunbar–Haywood County Carver High School Alumni Association and was instrumental in finding a location and assisting with the opening the Dunbar Carver Museum in 2007.

John attended Tennessee State University, in Nashville, Tennessee. An avid golfer who embraced life fully until declining health slowed his steps but never diminished his spirit. In every role, he was known for his dependability, sound judgment, and principled leadership. To many, he was simply a pillar—someone you could count on, someone who showed up, someone whose word mattered.

John is best remembered for his warm heart, sociable spirit, and genuine care for people. He loved family deeply and cherished friendships. His 63-year marriage to Bettye stood as a living testimony of devotion, partnership, and enduring love, inseparable in health and sickness, in joy and challenge.

John’s legacy is one of integrity, humility, faith, and service. He lived not for recognition, but for responsibility, not for applause, but for purpose. His life stands as a reminder that true greatness is found in consistency, character, and love—and that a life well lived continues to speak long after it has ended.

Faith and Church Leadership

Deacon at both Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, Illinois and Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Member of the Men's Choir at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Professional Career

Served as a Supervisor at Caterpillar Inc, in Decatur, Illinois

Community and Civic Engagement

Served as President of the Haywood County Democratic Party
Active and Lifelong member and supporter of the NAACP in both Decatur and Brownsville
Board Member of Haywood County Water District

Education and Alumni Leadership

Graduated from Carver High School, Brownsville, Tennessee, Class of 1960
Attended Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee
First Vice-President of the Dunbar-Haywood County Training-Carver High School Alumni Association 2004-2012