Carolyn Sue Thrash

Carolyn Sue Thrash

September 14, 1944 – April 2, 2023

Carolyn Sue Thrash, or best known as “Suzy” to her family and friends, left this world suddenly on Sunday, April 2, 2023, to join her heavenly father. She was reunited finally with her beloved and doting husband, Dr. Jimmie Ford Thrash, who was waiting for her with open arms after thirty-five and a half years.  She was also joined by her loving parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Claiborne.

Born in the sunflower state of Kansas in 1944, Suzy Claiborne became the baby sister to big sister, Floy Lea Claiborne Smith. The two sisters were as tightly bonded as two sisters could ever be and grew to have each other’s backs throughout life’s journeys. They were kind, sweet, silly, mischievous, helpful, and loving to each other to the end. Most importantly, their bond set an example for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to follow. It taught them that family always sticks together through thick and thin, through good times and bad. No matter what.

Eventually, the Claiborne family moved from Kansas to Altus, Oklahoma where Suzy spent her childhood and teenage years. During this time there were dance recitals, basketball teams, formal dances, and meeting her future husband, Jimmie Ford Thrash. Eventually Suzy graduated from Altus High School and then joined Jimmie at Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Jimmie and Suzy took up residence in Edmond, Oklahoma in 1963 for Jimmie to pursue his master’s degree.  Suzy prided herself in supporting Jimmie as a homemaker during his early educational pursuits. Upon completion, they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma for him to pursue his Doctoral degree in Vocational Education. During this time, they started their family and had their first son, Jim Benson Thrash.  With a newly completed Doctoral degree, it was time to move again, as Jimmie had secured his first teaching job at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 1970. During their time in Knoxville, they added to their family again with the birth of their second son, Lee Allen Thrash.  Eventually the family ties and roots called Jimmie and Suzy back to Oklahoma in 1974. A job at Moore-Norman Vo-Tec awaited Jimmie there. Suzy became busy raising their two little boys.  Soon after in 1976, they moved to Edmond so that Jimmie could take a faculty position at what is now the University of Central Oklahoma. They became enamored with all that Edmond had to offer and became life-long residents.

After giving so much support and encouragement to her husband’s schooling endeavors and career, Suzy completed her bachelor’s degree at Central State University and went on to begin a long standing and successful career in state government.  During her tenure in political support positions, she worked with numerous key political figures such as Speaker of the House, Jim Barker; Dr. Joan Levitt, Oklahoma Health Department Commissioner; and Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner, Cathy Weatherford. She went on to serve as the administrative assistant to Attorney General for the State of Oklahoma, Drew Edmondson for sixteen years until she retired. 

Suzy loved Edmond and believed in and supported many civic groups within it. She served on various civic groups and committees such as Women in Leadership, the Edmond Planning Commission, Edmond Rotary Group, among others. She was a faithful member of the Edmond Church of Christ for forty-five years.  She was active in Bible Study and Sunday School groups. She spent time in various book clubs and friend groups. She founded the Dr. Jimmie F. Thrash scholarship foundation at the University of Central Oklahoma and permanently endowed it.

Suzy was survived by her oldest son, Jim Benson Thrash, and his wife Julie Thrash. Their two sons, AJ Thrash and JP Thrash are Suzy’s grandsons. She is also survived by her youngest son, Lee Allen Thrash, and his wife Jennifer Thrash. They have Suzy’s only grand-daughter, Alexandra, “Alex” Thrash. Suzy is survived by her beloved older sister Floy Lea Smith and her brother-in-law Lanny W. Smith, both of Edmond.

Suzy and Jimmie would be proud of the family that they have created today.  Their two sons Jim Benson and Lee Allen both live in Edmond and both have families of their own. Her sister, Floy Lea and brother-in-law, Lanny W. Smith live in Edmond. Family gatherings, dinners, holidays, birthdays, and special events have been celebrated by everyone together as part of long standing family tradition. She can be reassured that these traditions will continue after Suzy is gone. She may be gone but she will not be forgotten.

Viewing will be held at Matthews Funeral Home on Thursday April 6, 2023, from 1:00 until 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at Edmond Church of Christ on Friday April 7, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.