Thelma Irene Lucas

Thelma Irene Brown Lucas, 91, of Bryant, formerly of Hot Springs passed away peacefully November 9. She was born January 5, 1924 in Chocotah, Oklahoma to the late Joseph Aaron and Nettie Mae Thomas. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Lucas; brothers, Clyde, Dave, George and Abe Thomas; sisters, Ruby Thomas and Frankie Worthy; and also a daughter, Sharon Brown. Cherishing her memory are her daughter, Karen (Deon) Gaither; grandchildren, Kenneth (Jackie) DeBusk, Kimberly (Gary) Holland and Beth (Bobby) Reiman; great-grandchildren, Michael, Hayley, Sarah, Bonnie, Camryn and Kelsey; great-great-grandchildren, Adam, Luke and Noah. She was loved by many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Thelma was affectionately called "Sis" or "Aunt Sis" by her extended family. She lost her mother at the tender age of eight and was suddenly responsible for most of the cooking and much of the care giving for a large farming family. She and a cousin would tell stories of the many varied and unusual dishes they would cook (limited by both training and ingredients). An avid gardener, she was known for her ability to grow anything. She loved being in her yard, but her care giving was not limited to family or gardening; she fed and fostered many stray animals. Somehow she seemed to find just the right home for many of the orphaned pets. The ones she was not able to find homes for ate just as well as the raccoons she fed on her porch. Sometimes she would go fishing, tossing perch to the shore for her kitties. A visitation will be held at the chapel of Gross Funeral Home on Friday, November 13 at 1 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hot Springs. The online obituary, guestbook and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.