Helen Mae Morelock Merchant, 89, of Sapulpa, OK, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Born in Kiefer, OK, on December 24, 1930 to Sherman and GladysMorelock. Raised with her only sister, Noma Lee Rongey.
Helen Merchant is survived by her 3 children, daughter, DeEdra Carter and her husband Jim of Rogers, AR, son, Rex Merchant and wife Sharon of Henryetta, OK, and son, Craig Merchant of Sapulpa, OK. She was grandma to Curtiss Carter, Chad Duncan and his wife Stacy, LaDeana Duncan, Jennifer Rose and her husband Tim, Cassy Marlar, Dave Hutchings and partner Marla, Cherron Taylor and her husband Daniel, and Sherman Merchant. In addition, Helen proudly answered the familiar calling of “GiGi” to 13 great-grandchildren: Sir Duncan, Ashton Marlar, Justice Duncan, Parker Duncan, Madison, Christian Taylor, Tyler Marlar, Bella Duncan, Collin Rose, Keira Rose, Caleb Taylor, Everly Taylor and Cameron Taylor. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, William Thomas Merchant, her parents, Sherman and Gladys Morelock, sister, NomaLee Rongey, daughter in law, Leann Merchant, and grand-daughter, Alana Merchant.
On December 8, 1951, she married her best friend, companion and the love of her life, Thomas Merchant. She was a loving homemaker and later in life, a valued employee at Oral Roberts University where she served as a cashier and made many lifelong friendships along the way.Helen enjoyed traveling. Many memories were made and laughs were shared over family vacations and stories from trips she took with her beloved husband. She was very proud of her family and friends and loved by many. Helen lived with dignity every day of her life and all who came to know her saw that she was a lady of true character and honor with a great sense of humor and a love for shopping and jewelry. She was a precious lady and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel, Sapulpa, OK. Funeral Services will be held at Smith’s Funeral Home, Sapulpa, OK. on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Lawerence Matlock officiating.Pallbearers are Gary Kazda, Chad Duncan, Sir Duncan, Tyler Marlar, Dave Hutchings, JaredMarlar, and honorary pallbearer, Parker Duncan.Interment to follow at Bixby Cemetery.Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home 1208 South Main in Sapulpa, OK.