Delores Burger

Celebrating the Life of Delores “De” Mae (Graham) Thames–Burger

Delores “De” Mae (Graham) Thames–Burger, a vibrant and loving presence in the lives of so many, peacefully transitioned to be with our Lord in her sleep at the age of 90 on Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Born on January 26, 1934, to Francis Zelphia (Moody) Graham and Alvis (Abb) Columbus Graham, De grew up in Fort Smith with her beloved sister, Catherine (Graham) Crosland. Her family built and operated the Albert Pike Motel and Restaurant fostering a spirit of hospitality.

De’s journey was filled with adventure, joy, and love for her family and community. She attended Peabody, Darby and Fort Smith (Northside) High Schools and had a special connection to Creekmore Park where she met her first husband, Glenn Thames Sr., on the park train. They married and began a life together. De dedicated herself to enriching the lives of others. She was a Sunday school teacher at First United Methodist Church where she directed youth activities, a Red Cross water safety instructor and swim teacher, and participated in local theater productions at the Fort Smith Little Theater and Red Stocking Revue. She embraced every opportunity to make a difference, sharing her time and talents with local organizations including the Director of the Girls Club and Girl’s Club Camp Director.

Overcoming some life challenges, De embarked on a new chapter and moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma becoming a certified lab technician at Baptist Medical Center. It was there she met and married Art Burger, her loving companion until his passing. Together, they retired and built a life in Granbury, TX finding joy and belonging as members of Tolar UMC. De’s warmth and humor made her a beacon of love, especially to the children in the congregation. Returning to Fort Smith, De reconnected with her roots and became a member of Faith United Methodist Church, the very church her grandfather Moody pastored.

Hobbies, interests and enjoyment throughout her life include her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, the WorldBurger Drive-in, her love for animals, woodworking, garage sales and poetry. Her mission in life as an unprofessional, “Corny Laughter-Maker” was simple but profound: “Laughter is the best medicine.”

De is celebrated and remembered by her children: Glenn Jr. (Ann) Thames, Fayetteville, AR; Mike (Debra) Thames, Fort Smith, AR; Kathy Thames, Barling, AR; Sara (Mark) Moitoza, Fort Smith, AR; and Leola (Hunt) Meyer, Jackson, MS.

Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren and their families: Sage (Dave) Goodner, Michael (Elizabeth) Thames, Courtney (Vic) Sundquist, Julie (Michael) Young, Graham (Angie) Thames, Ryan (Riya) Conyers, and Sarah (Casey) Stephenson, along with her 15 (soon to be 16) great-grandchildren: Sophia, Wyatt, Matthew, Joe Garrett, Seriah, Riley, Will (Hannah), Hailey, Lucy, Luke, Max, Evie Mae, Bennett, Alice, Dairian and soon to be Olivia Ryan, 1 great-great-grandchild, Waylon and 1 nephew, Lyle Crosland.

Preceding her in death were her spouses, Glenn Thames Sr. and Art Burger; her sister, Catherine Crosland; brother-in-law, Steve Crosland; and daughter-in-law, Lucy “Meme” Thames.

De’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Tolar United Methodist Church, Faith United Methodist Church, and Brooken Hill Health and Rehab for their kindness and support.

De brought joy wherever she went, filling lives with laughter, love, and light. As her grandkids fondly recalls:

· “She lived a long life filled with hills and valleys, always keeping a positive attitude, stories, adventures, and songs.” – Courtney

“Definitely a wonderful soul, she will be missed terribly.” – Graham

· “Our Grandma De was a great teacher in living life to the fullest and enjoying the little things. Her stories about growing up will be greatly missed. She always took time to keep us up to date on the latest funnies from the paper which always brought a smile. Every garage sale attended from here forward will be done in her honor” - Ryan

· “We have the best memories as kids of our sweet Grandma De. But I would say our favorite was always finding out what she had brought in the big brown box every time she came to town. The live bunnies and ducks were always MeMe’s favorite! Thankful for all the precious memories we made with her and for all the times we got to sing “How much is that doggie in the window” We love you Grandma De” – Julie

De leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and love that will continue to inspire everyone who knew her. Her life was truly a celebration, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. May we all strive to pay her humor forward.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Faith United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, AR. Immediately following, a reception will take place in the Fellowship Hall where all are welcome to join.

In lieu flowers, donations to Fort Smith Animal Haven, 9501 Black Bear Trail, Fort Smith, AR, 479–551–2221 are appreciated to honor her love for animals. Genesis 1:26

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