Opal Cherie Merry

Opal Cherie Merry
August 10, 1949 – July 4, 2025 Opal Cherie Merry, 75, of Harker Heights, Texas, known to most as Cherie, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born on August 10, 1949, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Cherie lived a full life rich with kindness, laughter, service, and adventure. Cherie proudly served four years in the U.S. Army, courageously wrangling data processors with the same determination she later brought to her long and distinguished career in civil service finance and auditing. She retired in 2008, having dedicated decades to meticulous work that reflected her integrity and precision. A graduate of American Technological University in Killeen, Texas, she valued personal growth and education. Cherie was also proud of her Cherokee heritage and carried that pride with her throughout her life, honoring her roots with strength and quiet dignity. Cherie met the love of her life, Bill Merry, in 1985. The two shared a deep bond rooted in mutual respect, shared adventures, and a lot of laughter. They married in 1992 and spent more than three decades building a beautiful life together. Bill introduced Cherie to the tradition of military balls-an experience she came to love, complete with elegant gowns, formal camaraderie, and cherished memories that reflected their pride in service and one another. Cherie had a flair for the finer things in life-especially if they sparkled in purple or came with a red heart-shaped Ty tag. Her legendary collection of purple glassware and Beanie Babies brought her endless joy (and her family endless questions about where to put it all). If you ever wondered where all the purple glass in Central Texas went, chances are, Cherie found it first. She also had a gift for nurturing life. With a green thumb and a gardener's heart, her home bloomed year-round-inside and out-with vibrant moonflowers, climbing wisteria, and cheerful bougainvillea. Her love for flowers mirrored the way she cared for those around her-gently, patiently, and with quiet beauty. When she wasn't tending to her plants or hunting down rare collectibles, Cherie was off adventuring. She traveled the country by motorcycle with Bill and the world by cruise ship-sailing the Rhine, relaxing in Hawaii, and basking in the sunshine of the Caribbean. Wherever she went, she found wonder and left warmth. More than anything, Cherie was a woman of deep love and generous spirit. She made the intentional and loving decision to adopt and raise her daughter, Jodi Lindsey, and in doing so, built a legacy rooted in compassion, strength, and grace. She is survived by her daughter, Jodi Lindsey; her stepdaughters, Beth Gavins and Diana Edwards; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, Opal Goodnight, and her sister, Judy Oliver. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to plant a moonflower or a tree in her memory, or simply take a moment to admire something in bloom. That's what Cherie would have done. Graveside Service will be held on July 21, 2025 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 A.M.