Mary Helen Wright, of Durant, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the age of 94. She was born on August 10, 1930, in Armstrong, Okla., to Floyd and Lois (Whitfield) Shepard.
Mary was a homemaker most of her life until her children were raised. She loved taking care of her home and family by cooking delicious meals and tending her flowers and vegetables in her garden. She also had an eager desire to instill table manners to her children and grandchildren. Her nurturing nature and dedication to helping others was evident by her service as a nurse at the Katy Hospital in Denison, Texas, for five years. She was a proud member of the Colbert Red Hat Ladies Society where her active involvement gave her much joy. Her faith was an integral part of her life, and she was a devoted member of Grace Baptist Church. She was known to be snippy in later years, but her family loved her greatly. She left quite a legacy to follow.
In 2001, Mary married Lyle Wright in the sunny state of Florida. They shared a love of dressing up and going dancing. Their union was a source of joy and companionship until Lyle’s passing.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children including James Duke of Sherman, Texas; Malinda Whitley of Durant, Oklahoma; Michael Duke and wife Mary of Cartwright, Oklahoma; Tammy Reynolds and husband Randy Reynolds of Colbert, Oklahoma; and Cecil Duke and wife Lori of Durant, Oklahoma. Mary’s legacy lives on through her grandchildren: Wesley Miller of Mead, Oklahoma, Matthew Miller and wife Pam of Silo, Oklahoma, Chris Duke of California, Randi Joe Duke of Durant, Oklahoma, and Noah Duke of Cartwright, Oklahoma, Audrea Breeden and husband Johnny of Calera, Oklahoma, Stasha Burola and husband Frank of Colbert, Oklahoma, Dana Duke of Durant, Oklahoma, Stormy Wesley and husband Ernie of Kentucky, and Roxanne Duke of Durant, Oklahoma, Alexis Weatherford of Durant, Oklahoma, Danica Qguin of Colbert, Oklahoma, Jessica Whitley of Platter, Oklahoma, and Baylee Whitley of Colbert, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, including Greyson Weatherford, Alivia Jeffries, Autumn Huendergardt, Devon Huendergardt, Tammy Miller, Madeline Denham, Karli Hawkins, Iva Miller, William Miller, Weston Miller, Madi Miller, Charlee Jo Wesley, Saydee Wesley, and Tate Wesley, as well as her great-great-grandchildren: Sophie, Liam, Emma, Kimberlynn, Jeffrey, Molly, Callie, Dawson, Sawyer, Jesse, and Katlynn.
Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, Lyle Wright, and her son, Randall Lee Duke; grandson, Gene A. Whitley; daughter-in-law, Theresa Duke; and son-in-law, Gene Allen Whitley.
Family and friends will gather at her Family Hour from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home..
Her funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chapel with Brother Anthony Williams officiating. Mary will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery following her funeral service.
Pallbearers are Matthew Miller, Wesley Miller, Devon Huendergardt, Weston Denham, Johnny Breeden, and Dewey Reynolds.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 N. Fifth Ave. in Durant.
www,holmescoffeymurray.com