Ann Nora Bullock Duffack, Cissie to family, slipped away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2022. A longtime resident of Monticello, Cissie was fiercely independent, quick with a smile, never met a stranger, and relentlessly optimistic. She loved her home, she loved her yard, and she loved to exercise and walk in the city. Most of all, Cissie loved her family. She was the youngest child and only daughter of William and Verdie Bullock of Monticello. Her father was a former Jefferson County School Superintendent. Her older brothers, William and Wallace, included her in their activities while growing up and kept her safe. Bullock family life for Cissie was warm and kind. Her brothers’ love was irreplaceable, and losing them later in life deeply affected her. Cissie annually placed flowers in the Baptist Church on Mother’s Day to honor their mother, Mimi. She called the Bullock grandchildren every year on their birthdays, and she placed a single red rose on the graves of family who had gone before her to remember them on theirs.
Cissie graduated from Jefferson County High School in 1953. Voted the Cutest and the Most Courteous by her senior class, she was a cheerleader, a class officer, president of the Tri-Hi-Y Club, and member of the Glee Club. She was also perpetually late, a trait she carried through her life. Her father instilled in her a lifelong love of education. Ann graduated from the Florida State University in 1957 with a Bachelor’s of Science degree from the School of Education. Her parents insisted she stay close for college. She joined the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority and was a member of FSU’s Flying High Circus for two years. She was an avid Seminole Booster and held season football tickets for longer than anyone can remember. She served as a board member of the university’s Alumni Association and for the local chapter of the Seminole Boosters.
Cissie met her late husband, Col. William C. Duffack, while teaching in Panama City. They met on a blind date, married in 1961, and stayed married for 58 years. Her feisty nature and Duff’s personality ensured the marriage was never dull. They had one son, Bill, Jr. Cissie followed her husband’s career wherever it took them until she returned to Monticello in 1989. She lived in the same house where she was born. She taught elementary school in California and South Carolina, and earned her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina while traveling with Duff and raising Willie. She earned an Associate in Science degree in Legal Assisting from the Tallahassee Community College.
Cissie was tough as nails. Much to her doctor’s surprise, she never took pain medication for either the wrist she broke in two places or her three broken ribs. She lived simply, without pretense, and she paid her bills. She stayed true in her faith. Cissie wanted those around her to behave “just so.” She never forgot where she came from. Cissie devoted her life to Bill, Jr. She was his biggest fan, best teacher and most ardent supporter in good times and bad. She never missed a game, and she always made sure his homework was done. A son could not have asked for a better mother. She died peacefully and without fear. In the end, while holding her son’s hand, Cissie left the world a better place. “Mom, I love you, and I miss you."
