Merva Duane Harris

Merva Duane Harris of Hutchins, Texas, passed away on June 21, 2024 at the age of 89. Merva wasborn on August 10, 1934 to parents Oscar Jefferson Smith and Bettie Mandy Smith of Overton, Texas.She graduated from Overton High School in May of 1952 and began college at East Texas Baptist whereshe met the love of her life, Joel Harris. They married September 5, 1953 and began a journey togetherthat would span over seventy years. Merva and Joel had three children; Allen, Valorie and Connie andthey loved their family dearly.God had called Joel to be a preacher and Merva walked alongside him, supporting him and serving the Lord throughout his ministry. She was a gifted pianist and played for worship in the churches where Joel pastored. She spent much of her career as a teacher. She taught Kindergarten and she gave piano lessons to many children along the way. Merva loved to sing and she was a very creative andtalented seamstress. She loved her family and enjoyed spending as much time as she could with them. Merva enjoyed camping and she and Joel would gather as many family members as possible and meet at their favorite spot in Arkansas. She loved people and always had a huge smile and a kind or encouraging word to say. She had a positive attitude and always saw the good in others. She was tender and compassionate and truly had a servant's heart.  Merva is survived by her three children and their spouses, Allen Harris, Valorie Hatchel and Benny, Connie Breedon and James; nine grandchildren, Adrienne Franklin, Jennifer Downs, Lauren Russell, Zachary Hatchel, Jimmy Breedon, Heather Breedon, Jonathan Harris, David Breedon and Amanda Bartley; and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Carroll Smith, her nephew Jeff Smith and her niece Christen Patin. Merva was preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Bettie Smith,her beloved husband Joel, her sister-in-law Penny Smith, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.