Funeral service for Gatha McInnis Merchant, 70, will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2009, 4 p.m., Hixson
Funeral Home with Bro. Dave Stewart and Bro. Durhl Davis officiating. Mrs. Merchant went to be with the Lord on Saturday, October 17, in her residence in Anacoco. Visitation will be Monday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the
time of the service at 4 p.m. at Hixson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Anacoco under the direction of Hixson Funeral Home of Leesville.
Mrs. Merchant was a lifelong educator who dedicated 40 years of her life
teaching school, 35 years of which were at Anacoco Elementary School. She loved her students and positively impacted many of their lives. She was a very active member of her school and community. She was pianist at Holly Grove United Methodist Church
in Anacoco for 30 years. She was always willing to help others in whatever way she could. Mrs. Merchant served two terms on the Anacoco City Council.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Jamie Ann Merchant and her father, Charles
W. McInnis. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Billy Merchant of Anacoco; sons, Jim Merchant and wife Marilyn, Patrick Merchant and wife Danna, Tommy James and wife Greta; mother, Joyce McInnis; sister, Charlene Dowden and husband
Joe; brother, Charles “Russell” McInnis and wife Robin, all of Anacoco; her grandchildren, Jessica Holman and husband Brian of Ragley, Lynsea Merchant, Brittany Merchant, Morgan James, and Blake James, all of Anacoco. She is also survived by numerous
nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pallbearers will be Tommy James, David Dowden, Jim Merchant, Gary Dowden, Patrick Merchant, Charles Dowden, Blake James, and Charlie Dowden.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at
www.hixsonfh.com.