Darwettia Jeraldine Priddy Thompson was far from a typical farm girl. Born September 10, 1936 in Mannsville (Greasy Bend) Oklahoma, she was one of 6 children born to Calvin and Annie aka "Choc" (Ingle) Priddy.  By the age of 6, she had marked two significant milestones in life, accepting Jesus as her savior, and learning to play the mandolin. Dar wrote "I would play and sing at church with my brother Kenneth and sister Delma and later formed a band in high school. Gospel is what I loved to play the most." After high school, Darwettia met and married "the farmer", Don Thompson and as the song would later tell, she became "the queen."  Don and Darwettia had two sons, Verlon (born 1954) and Rex born (1957) Together they farmed the land Don's grandfather homesteaded near Binger in Caddo County Oklahoma. In 1971, to bring in a second income, Darwettia went to work at 3M corporation in Weatherford, at times weathering long commutes in some wicked weather. She often worked entire shifts in the dark, creating the photographic film we all used to take pictures that last forever.  Dar was a valuable and memorable employee, retiring after 26 years. And despite a busy life, she never paused her music, becoming a headline performer for a decade at the weekly Jamboree at Clinton Oklahoma. With the help of son Verlon, she released her own album Darwettia's mandolin, occasionally played with him for large and adoring crowds, and later enjoyed tutoring interested  young people in old time picking, hymns and harmony singing. Darwettia was a devoted wife, passionate mother, meticulous quilter, painter, craft artist, game player and known for copious candy making at Christmas. She put fashion and glamor into her country life, never leaving home without a perfect coiff, impeccable nails, sparkling jewelry and always, a personality to match. There was no wife more patient, no mother cheering louder for her boys on sports fields or musical stages, no neighbor more helpful, no grandmother, great-grandmother or great-great grandmother more nurturing and faith filled. She was also the rare combination of an understanding and truly fun mother-in-law. Darwettia outlived her entire family, losing siblings Mahota, Kenneth, Delma, Bonnie and Arbie years before her passing.  She lost her husband Don Vernon Thompson, March 19, 2019. A few years into widowhood, Dar made the courageous and monumental decision to leave Caddo county and establish a new life at St. Ann Retirement Center in Oklahoma City. She quickly made her mark, playing music, endless games and volleyball matches, some lovely friends and marking a second chapter of independence, fellowship and self-discovery that added richly to her life. In advance of her death, after a brief hospitalization, she wrote her own obituary, noting "I went to be with my Lord and Savior November 4, 2025. Now I'm playing in that heavenly band on streets of pure gold."

  Survivors include her two sons, Verlon and wife Demetria of Nashville Tennessee.  Rex and wife Laura of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Two grandchildren Jas, of Lookeba, Oklahoma and Candace Thompson of Colony, Oklahoma. Darwettia had 5 great grandchildren, Sydney Thompson Neese (husband Walker) Haylee Thompson of Lookeba, Riley Payne, Paizley Payne and Trigger Payne of Colony. Great- great- grandchildren Ava Ray Neese and Weston Neese.    

  Darwettia was a lifelong church goer and most recently a member of Binger Baptist Church. Arrangements are being provided by Turner Funeral Home, 123 W Park St., Hinton Oklahoma, 73047.

  In lieu of flowers, if desired, the family would appreciate donations to the activities fund at St. Ann Retirement Center in the name of Darwettia J Thompson.  7501 W. Britton Rd, Oklahoma City 73132.

   Laugh, smile, remember to pray and give thanks for knowing and loving her.

Viewing will be held at the Hinton Turner Funeral Home on Friday from 9AM-9PM and on Saturday the family will receive visitors from 9AM- 11 AM, November 7th & 8th, Hinton, OK before the services.

Graveside Services: Sickles Cemetery, Saturday, 12:00 PM, November 8, 2025, Lookeba, OK  

Songs and Stories by Verlon Thompson, and a link to a heartwarming recent performance:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Cjbs63EsQ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

services under the direction of Turner Funeral Home, Hinton, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes)