Sharon Denise “Neicy” Duke, of Groesbeck, passed away at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at age 61.

Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, in Old Union Cemetery, with Brother Darron Killingsworth officiating.

Denise was born on September 12, 1964, to Emmett Jay Thomas and Leta Dell Thomas in Madisonville. She grew up in Marquez and graduated from Groesbeck High School. She lived in the Lost Prairie/Groesbeck area her whole adult life.

Neicy was known by many people during the years she worked in local cafes, where she not only delivered food to the tables, but also, laughter and good cheer to each customer, as well as hugs and friendship. You knew when she was around by the old classic country music that was playing.

Neicy loved music, riding the back roads, “hanging out” on the porch, hopping on the mower, taking care of her flowers, watching the birds, and the “girls’ trips with friends every year. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family who were the most important part of her life. She had one or more grandchildren with her when she was not at work, and they all loved to stay with her, especially during the summer.

Neicy had won a battle with cancer, and was looking really well and pretty, until a very recent unexpected turn in her health. She will be missed by many family, friends and acquaintances.

Denise was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, and her son, Clint Thomas.

She is survived by her parents, Emmett Jay and Leta Dell Thomas; son and daughter-in-law, Justin and Ashley Duke of Groesbeck and daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Caleb Dillon of Groesbeck; grandchildren, Dillon Thomas, Jesse Duke, Jackson Thomas, JayDee Duke, Ryleigh Thomas, Jolie Duke, Emma Dillon, CJ Dillon, and Ben Dillon. She is also survived by three sisters, Janet and Jubie Gallegos of Thornton, Hope and Todd Thornbrough of Groesbeck, and Jennifer Wilson of Mexia; and nieces, nephews.