Linda Kay Thomas Merrell

Katy, Texas -- Dr. Linda Kay Thomas Merrell was born on January 25, 1948, in Paris, Texas to Dero Thomas and Mary Ruth Smith Thomas. She passed away peacefully on October 12, 2023, in Plano, Texas surrounded by her husband, Leonard, and her two sons, Brian and Mark.

Linda graduated from Paris High School in 1965. She later studied at East Texas State University and earned a bachelor's degree in 1968. In 1970, she returned to study for her Master's Degree in Education and later received a doctorate degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Linda married the love of her life, Dr. Leonard Merrell, on January 31, 1969. She had a successful decades-long career as an educator, touching the lives of countless students and teachers in the La Marque and Cypress-Fairbanks school districts. While she cherished her role
as an educator, her three most treasured roles were as a wife and partner to Leonard, as a loving mother to Brian and Mark, and as a doting grandmother to her eleven grandchildren.

Linda will be remembered most for her selfless spirit and love for others. She had a one-of-a-kind gift of hospitality that permeated her entire life. Whether that meant hosting dozens of screaming teenagers for a sleepover or catering an elaborate dinner party, Linda was the consummate hostess. All were welcome. All were loved. To know her was to love her; to be known by her was to feel love.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Leonard Merrell; her sons, Dr. Brian Merrell, Mark Merrell, JD; grandchildren, Brooklynn, Drew, Adaline, Mason, Desmin, Dominique, Kiewan, Caleb, Noah, Elli, and Rory Jane and numerous other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ruth and Dero Thomas; and sister, Barbara Thomas Hancock; and by her parents-in-law W.T. and Adaline Merrell.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, Texas. A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Kingsland Baptist Church in Katy, Texas. Internment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Forest Grove Cemetery, Telephone, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorial donations be made to Fannin County Excellence Fund Texas A&M University-Commerce (ATTN: Kim Jefferies) P.O. Box 3425, Commerce, Texas 75429.