Merlyn Frances Spain

Merlyn Frances Spain passed quietly into the hands of our Lord on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 in her 90th year. A friend to all and loved as Mom, Merlyn, Mema, Mimi, and Auntie Mae, she left an indelible mark on everyone she met, especially the lucky children who sat on her lap. Born January 6, 1926 to Mary Frances Neaves Viles and Edmond Lafayette Viles, Merlyn was raised in Golden, Colorado and graduated from Loretto High School. She married William Franklin Spain in 1944 and together they raised 5 children, beginning in rural mining camps and as far away as Melbourne, Australia. This small-town gal taught the miners tricks, charmed the Aussies, and built a network of friends throughout Texas. Shaped by the dark days of the depression, Merlyn was forever compassionate and always giving. She taught her children to share and forgive, to look forward, not backward, and to trust in faith whenever challenges mount. In and around her home, Merlyn was always in motion: gardening, sewing, cleaning, or cooking. Merlyn returned to college in 1968, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston in 1974, and immediately began teaching English at Northbrook High School. She brought Shakespeare to life in her classroom, ignited passion in her students, and challenged the underperforming to reach beyond imaginable limits. Once retired and following her husband’s death in 1989, Merlyn moved to Tyler, Texas and expanded her role as grandmother. As a member of Marvin United Methodist Church, Merlyn was actively involved with the Crusaders Class and Missions Week. She was a member of the Fairmont HOA, the book clubs Littera and Quid Nunc, UT Tyler Friends of the Arts, and the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. She further served as president of several of these organizations. Merlyn is survived by her sons, William Spain, Jr. (Reliquias, Portugal), Dr. Stephen Spain and wife Jill (Tyler, TX), and daughter Linda Spain de Bruin and husband George (San Francisco, CA), 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren in Texas, California, Oregon, Massachusetts, New York, and Australia. She is also survived by her sister Lillian Jennings of Nevada and many beloved nieces and nephews. Merlyn was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Lloyd Viles and Vivian Waterman, her husband, and her children Carol and Paul. The family wishes to express their sincerest gratitude to her loving and attentive caregivers Norma Seago and Virginia Bailey, as well as the staff of the Hospice of East Texas. Merlyn’s family welcomes friends and family to join in a celebration of her life on Saturday June 11, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703, (903) 581-2008, with Rev. Gerry Giles officiating. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed and accessible via this link where comments and pictures can also be shared http://www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com/obituaries/Merlyn-Spain/ Merlyn will be laid to rest beside her husband at the National Veterans' Cemetery in Houston. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Marvin United Methodist Church, 300 W. Erwin St., Tyler, TX 75702, The Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or the Alzheimer's Alliance of Smith County, 211 Winchester Dr., Tyler, TX 75701.

Merlyn Frances Spain

January 6, 1926 - May 31, 2016