Duncan - Sammye Grace (Miller) Smith was born April 16, 1928, in Duncan, Oklahoma to James and Lillie (Small) Miller. She passed away surrounded by her family in Tulsa Sunday, July 20, 2025, at the age of 97.

Graveside service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at the Duncan Municipal Cemetery with Bryan Pain officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Sammye graduated from Duncan High School with the class of 1946 and attended classes at the Oklahoma Liberal Arts College. On Oct. 14, 1949, she married the love of her life, Vernon Ray Smith. Together they raised three children: Steve, Terri and Verna, and shared a wonderful life of over 60 years before Vernon's passing in 2010. It was during this phase of life; Sammye worked as the manager of TOSCO Federal Credit Union for 40 years.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church, her faith spanned an extraordinary 90 years, guiding her days with grace, compassion and strength which she poured out on others during her time as a member of the Duncan Regional Hospital auxiliary team of volunteers and the Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority. Sammye was also an avid Bridge player and never missed a chance to join a round with friends in Duncan and Marlow.

Of all her roles, the one she cherished most was that of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy. She lit up when speaking of her grandchildren, and her home echoed with laughter and love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, community and joy — an example of a life well and truly lived. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Sammye was preceded in death by her parents; husband Vernon; brothers: James Miller, Johnson Miller and Jack Miller; and sisters: Ruth Puckett and Philo Maddox.

Survivors include her children: Steve Smith and wife Debbie of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Terri Sloan and husband Tim of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Verna Davidson and husband Gary of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Lindsey Gappa (Tommy), Scott Smith (Larissa), Lauren Miller (Andy), Katherine Sloan (Patrick Noble), Michael Davidson, Matthew Davidson; and nine great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Duncan at 901 W. Ash Ave.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.