Funeral services for Debera Kay “Deb” McMerrell, 69, of Emory, will be held on Sunday, October 5, at 2:00 p.m., at Emory Baptist Church, with Rev. Jason Rolen, Bro. Richard Piles and Mr. Bob Ferguson officiating. Interment will follow in Emory City Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Koby Kearney, Tanner Kearney, Brad Chastain, Kade Wallace, Keith Wallace and Kody Wallace.
Mrs. McMerrell died on September 28, 2025, in Dimmitt. She was born on January 7, 1956, in Greenville, to Frankie Ray and Mettie Christopher Kearney.
She lived her entire life in Emory and graduated from Rains High School in 1974. She married William Paul McMerrell on October 11, 1974, in Emory. After graduating from nursing school at Paris Junior College she worked as a registered nurse in many different roles, eventually retiring from Rains ISD.
Mrs. McMerrell was a member of Believers Baptist Church in Emory. She had many hobbies including gardening, canning, baking, oil painting, sewing and playing the piano. In her most recent years she loved spending time with her family and best girlfriends. She was always up for a game of cards, playing 42, or traveling. She was truly living her best life whether it be axe throwing in Broken Bow, riding Ferris wheels in Branson or zip lining through the trees.
She is survived by her daughter, Haylea Stracener and husband Ryan of Emory; son, Casey McMerrell of Emory; four grandchildren, Madison, Jadyn, Shaylee and Rowdy; brother, Bob Kearney and wife Tanna of Saltillo; and numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, L.D. Kearney; husband, Paul McMerrell; and son, Lucas McMerrell.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Emory Baptist Church. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.