Georgie Florence Duyka

Georgie (Drastata) Duyka, age 82 of Wharton, Texas died unexpectedly Monday, December 23, 2013. She was born on January 12, 1931 in New Taiton, Texas the youngest daughter of seven children of the late Frank J. and Frances Vacek Drastata. Georgie, who grew up in New Taiton, graduated from El Campo High School and met a dark-haired handsome young man from Hungerford, Raymond John Duyka. The first hello through the window of New Taiton hall during a dance, with God’s grace, grew into a marriage of 48 years, when he preceded her in death on June 4, 2000. Georgie was a loving, hard-working, generous and devoted Mom to her girls. Through hard work and devotion Georgie and Ray sent the girls to Holy Family Catholic School while it was open. Georgie taught catechism at St. John Catholic Church in Hungerford. Since Georgie was the youngest daughter in her family, “daddy’s little girl,” she didn’t have to pick cotton. She made up that work by planting every blade of grass, tree, and flower in the yard of their Wharton home. She was dedicated to the beauty of her yard, loved flowers and was proud to receive the “Yard of the Month.” During her senior year Georgie was known as the best seamstress. She was scouted to start up sewing in the newly formed Issacson-Carrico garment factory. Her young girls later benefitted from her skills with many matching outfits. After her youngest started school, Georgie worked at the Wharton County Library and retired after 23 years of service in 1993 at the age of 62. Many people often greeted her with a hello and a thank you for the help she had given them. She loved life, travel (her “outings”), visiting friends and relatives, games, and gardening. Georgie and Ray enjoyed their domino, bowling and dance clubs, and also loved traveling. Georgie was strong in her faith, devoted to prayer, a good wife, a good mother, a good grandmother, known as “Gee Gee,” and a good friend. Not only did she spread her roses throughout Wharton and surrounding towns, but also her youthful smile, friendliness, and laughter , never meeting a stranger. She kept her joy of life up to the day our Lord called her home for Christmas. Georgie was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1952 and a longtime member of the Catholic Daughters, El Campo Chapter. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Betty McPherson and husband, Cullen “Mac”, and Martha Drastata Kotlar, and brother, Frank W. Drastata. Georgie is survived by her daughters, Susan Duyka Harrison and husband, Rich of Richmond, Peggy Duyka of Wharton, Lanette Duyka Thomas and husband, Tommy of Wharton and Natalie Duyka of Rosenberg; brothers, Jim Drastata and wife, Annie of El Campo, Joe Drastata and wife, Margie of Palacios and Bill Drastata and wife, Pam of Houston; sister in law, Anita Drastata of New Taiton; grandchildren, Russell Harrison, Ryan Thomas, and Morgan Thomas; step granddaughter, Jena Thomas Linton and husband, Jason; great-grandson, Easton Thomas; and step great-granddaughter, Taylor Linton. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5:30 til 7 pm at Wharton Funeral Home with a rosary receited at 7 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 28 at 10:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with Rev. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Burial will follow in St. Johns Catholic Church Cemetery in New Taiton with Rev. Gabriel Tawiah officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, 2011 Briar Lane, Wharton, Texas 77488; St. Johns Catholic Church, 1843 CR 469, New Taiton Campo, Texas 77437; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 506 S. East Avenue, Wharton, Texas 77488; and St. Johns Catholic Church, 814 Church Street, Hungerford, Texas 77448.