Our beloved Vicki Lynn Grider Thorpe (Mimi) passed away peacefully after a short, but courageous battle with cancer on April 5, 2025. She was 74 years young. 
Born in Borger, Texas, in 1950, moved to Durant, Okla., where she was raised and resided until her passing. After marrying Jim at 19 years old, she worked at her dad’s restaurant, Ken’s Pizza. They moved to Valliant, Okla., to run the first hotel for two years. Later, moved to Hugo to run the Carriage House Hotel for another 2 years. Afterwards, they moved to Hillsboro, Texas, to run Kai Kai hotel. Jim and Vicki then acquired the Best Western Hotel in Durant, Okla., from her parents, where she operated and owned until her passing. She and her husband owned and operated the Waffle Shoppe since 1984. Vicki and Jim built and ran the Best Express Inn and Suites in Calera, Okla. from 2012.
Vicki was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and above all, prayer warrior. She loved her God and church first and family second. She was always gracious with her money, giving generously to the church, giving back to those in need, and missions, and picking up the restaurant bill for anyone. Vicki has always put the needs of others first before hers, she made sure that you are well fed.
Vicki was extremely loved by her sisters, known by others as the “Grider Girls”.
Vicki loved Jesus, very spiritual woman, she strived to live a life that would be pleasing to Him. She taught Sunday school for many years at Abundant Life Temple, where she grew up in, beginning when the church was the original rock church. She believes that what you speak could come true, therefore, she doesn’t believe in anything negative coming out of her mouth.
Vicki loves spending time with her family, enjoyed watching her kids and later grandchildren perform (recitals, dances and sporting events). She would be the loudest one on the bleachers cheering them on.
She leaves a huge hole in our lives that can never be filled, but we will carry her love for us through all of the days of our lives.
She was receded in death by her parents, John and Irene Grider.
Vicki is survived by her husband Jim Thorpe of 55 years, her son John Thorpe and his wife, Wincy, of Allen, Texas; son, Dr. Richard Thorpe and his wife Kimberly of Keller, Texas; her grandchildren: Christina Thorpe, Jimmy Thorpe, and Jacob Thorpe of Allen, Texas,; grandchildren: Colton Thorpe and Brooklyn Thorpe of Keller, Texas; sister, Barbara Kramer and her husband, Tommy of Durant, Okla.; sister, Donna McCurdy and her husband Jack of Yukon, Okla.; sister, Markita Grantham and her husband Tim, of Fort Scott, Kan.; best friends, Juana Tubbs and her husband, Ray of Durant, Okla. and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Vicki’s family will receive friends at her Family Hour on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. Her funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Abundant Life Texoma located at 1307 N Washington Ave, Durant Oklahoma, with Dr. Mark Allen officiating. Vicki will be laid to rest in Highland Cemetery following her funeral service.
Services are under the care of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 N. Fifth Ave. in Durant.
www.holmescoffeymurray.com