Merllean Onita Smith

1925 - 2021

Merllean Onita Smith passed away on January 22, 2021 at 8:37 a.m. in her home in Deer Park at the age of 95. She was born in Tensas Parish Louisiana on November 30, 1925, to Robert L. Garner and Ina Curlee Garner. As a young woman she married Jessie Henry "Bud" Smith on September 23, 1943. They soon moved to Houston where she gave birth to three children Alan Smith of League City, Sharon McGuyer of Burnet, and Gary Smith of Dallas.

Merllean and Bud moved to Deer Park in 1955 where they became active in the church in their community, FBC Deer Park. She was an active member there and served as the Nursery Director, taught Sunday School, & worked with the Girl's auxiliary. In August of 1963 she gave birth to her 4th child, Annette Zinante of Pasadena, which completed their family. Before leaving FBC of DP she became the Departmet Director for the Senior Adults.

In 1974 she graduated Cum Laude from UH with a Bachelors of Science in Education. Shortly thereafter, Merllean began her teaching career in Deer Park ISD at Deer Park Elementary. After three years of teaching fourth grade, she received her Masters of Science Degree afterwhich was offered the fifth grade department chair position. She accepted the position and retired after twenty years of service.

Merllean had many hobbies such as sewing, baking, and gardening. However, her favorite hobby was gardening. She grew many types of plants and always looked forward to planting pansies, snapdragons, and alyssum in the fall. She won Yard of the Month on numerous occasions which she was quite proud of.

Our lives have been influenced by her love of Jesus, and the unending values of family relationships.

She is survived by nine grandchildren, Tanya McGuyer, Christopher Smith, Lindsay Brown, April Baird, Meredith Passmore, Daniel Smith, Jeffrey Smith, Jacob Zinante, & Andrew Zinante and fourteen great grandchildren all of whom lovingly refer to her as "Gringo."

She will be greatly missed by her family, but was received in Heaven by countless family members, friends, and JESUS!

In lieu of flowers please make your donations to FBC Pasadena BEYOND THE WALLS.

Merllean was laid to rest on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Grandview Memorial Park in Deer Park.