Vernell Merritt

Funeral services for Vernell Merritt, 68, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, November 27, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at McKindree Baptist Church with Brother Elton Musick officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery.

Mrs. Merritt was born May 2, 1943 in Angelina County, Texas to the late Agnes (Chisum) and Thomas Rhoden ""Tommy"" Rains, and died Friday, November 25, 2011 in a local hospital. She resided in Lufkin most of her life and retired from the Lufkin State School. Mrs. Merritt was a member of McKindree Baptist Church.

Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, David and Carla Merritt of Lufkin and Ronald Merritt of Pollok; daughter-in-law, Suzan Merritt of Pollok; grandchildren, Anna-Lesa Merritt of Bastrop, Ben Merritt and wife Jolyn of Pollok, Adam Merritt of Lufkin, Junelle Merritt and Colton Merritt, both of Pollok; sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth Henry of Homer and Janice and Bobby Wood of Diboll; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Irene Rains of Nacogdoches; brother-in-law, Sonny Duke of Hudson; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Merritt was preceded in death by her husband, David E. ""Catfish"" Merritt in 2009; sister, Linda Duke; and brother, T.R. Rains.

Pallbearers will be Ben Merritt, Adam Merritt, Colton Merritt and Barry Malone.

Memorial contributions may be made to McKindree Baptist Church, 557 McKindree Road, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the McKindree Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.