Merle Adams Farrell

Heaven welcomed home a faithful servant February 13, 2017, with the passing of Merle Adams Farrell, 97.

Merle was born on July 15, 1919, in Gilmer, Texas to Lemuel and Ann Richardson Adams. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Johnnie B. Farrell, four brothers, two sisters and her parents.

Merle graduated from Union Grove High School as class valedictorian in 1936. She attended North Texas State University until her marriage to Johnnie, September 22, 1940, then returned to North Texas to finish her major in English and Library Science. Johnnie’s career with Mobil Oil provided an interesting life as they enjoyed each location and made life-long friends throughout Texas and Louisiana. Her last librarian position was from 1969-1984 at Hallsville ISD. She was so efficient the school system had to hire two people to take her place. After her retirement, she and “JB” enjoyed gardening at their farm in Diana, and leisurely time with family and friends.
All that knew Merle loved her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, loyal friend to many, a superb cook (especially apple pie), excellent seamstress, and church volunteer. Merle was devout in her spiritual faith and a member of Longview Church of Christ.

Our “Mama” is survived by her daughter Linda, and husband Mike Crim of Montgomery, Texas, son John Wayne Farrell, and wife Connie of Tomball, Texas, and son Bob Farrell, and wife Debi of Longview. Grandchildren include: Tres Terry (Lisa) of Longview, Stefani Bess (Jeff) of Longview, Julie Syvrud (Zach) of Rockwall, Steven Farrell (Nancy) of Tyler, John David Farrell of Burleson, Jeremy Farrell (Jenny) of Denton, Texas and Rhett Farrell of Houston. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, 4 sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her family was her pride and joy.

The family wishes to thank her attentive caregivers of Visiting Angels, and the caring staff of Heart’s Way Hospice.

Friends are welcome to join the family for a time of visitation at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the Croley Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 A.M. with Mark Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Upshur County, Texas.