Deleita Raye Sechrist

In Loving Memory of Deleita Raye Merrell Sechrist August 28, 1941 – June 14, 2025

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Deleita Raye Merrell Sechrist, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on August 28, 1941, in Memphis (Hall County), Texas, she lived a life filled with love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Deleita was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 66 years, Lee Olen Sechrist (2023), her loving parents Alvin “Dude” Merrell and Vivian Beatrice Merrell, and her younger siblings James Merrell and Betty Merrell.

On October 23, 1957, Deleita married Lee in Greenville, Texas. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children, all of whom reside in Waxahachie, Texas:

• Gregory Sechrist and wife Regina
• Sandra Sanders and husband Jeffrey
• Tammy Jerpi and husband Kevin
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She was a proud and loving “Gammer” to seven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of one more.

In the early 1960s, Deleita worked at Republic National Bank and the Statler Hilton Hotel in downtown Dallas. After the birth of her son Greg, she embraced the role of a full-time mother and homemaker. Her days were filled with PTA meetings (often as President), organizing fundraisers, supporting youth sports and scouting, and tirelessly volunteering through school and community organizations. Her energy was boundless, and her dedication to her family never wavered.

Together with Lee and Greg, Deleita helped launch the family business, Metroplex Microwave Service, where she served as the office manager and heart of the operation.

A proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star for more than 60 years, Deleita held many positions and stations. Her commitment to this service organization reflected her deep sense of compassion and community.

Deleita had a love for history, often reading about it or experiencing it firsthand. She and Lee enjoyed traveling, visiting historic cemeteries, battlegrounds, and always stopping at historical markers. She also delighted in cross-stitching, collecting coin sets, and spending time near the ocean. Though never venturing into the water, she found peace in the sound of crashing waves.

Deleita’s life was a testament to devotion, kindness, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the lives she touched, and the memories she created with grace and love.

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jarret Elmore (great-nephew) officiating. Interment will follow in Waxahachie City Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be:  Jimmy Sechrist (brother-in-law), Johnny Elmore (nephew), Steven Sechrist (nephew), Dave Merrell (nephew), Craig Jerpi (grandson), James Berg (grandson), Joe Stephens (grandson), and Blake Stephens (great-grandson).  Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Micah Berg (great-grandson) and Jordan Sechrist (nephew).