THELMA DUKE

Aug. 29, 1924 - July 10 2017 NORMAN Thelma, 92, left this world for a better place on July 10, 2017, but the world is a better place for having had her in it. Thelma lived life bigger than her home state of Texas. She was born in San Antonio on Aug 29, 1924. While working at Woolworth's in San Antonio, she met a young military man, Raymond Gray Duke, who became the love of her life. One of Thelma's favorite sayings was, "Raymond always said, 'I met my million dollar baby at the five and ten cent store.'" Thelma & Raymond made their home in OKC, where they raised three children, Raymond Jr., Sharon, and Floyd, and enjoyed 55 years of marriage. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Thelma & Raymond found a great love for race horses, and together, they bought, bred and raced several winners at the Ten Mile Flat in Norman. Thelma loved spending days at the race track or sitting on her back porch watching the horses. She took great pride in her appearance, so her beautiful auburn hair was immediately recognizable everywhere she went. Thelma kept a beautiful home and always had a family famous meal ready for visitors. Hosting or attending any type of party was something near and dear to Thelma's heart. Her holiday parties will always remain in the hearts of her grandchildren. And my, oh my, she dearly loved to dance. If music was playing, her foot was tapping or she was up and ready to move. As our world is a little sadder today for having lost Thelma, she is having the time of her life dancing with Raymond once again. She will be missed but celebrated by all who knew her. Preceded in death by her parents, husband, both of her sons, two grandchildren and her three siblings; she is survived by her daughter, Sharon Darrow; five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Viewing will be Wednesday with family greeting friends 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Services to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the South Lakes Chapel. Friends may leave condolences for the family at vondelsmithmortuary.com vondelsmithmortuary.com