Merry Lee Willingham

In the heart of Anadarko, under Oklahoma's sky, Merry Lee Willingham was born, never shy. A life that began on April's sweet 22nd day, of nineteen fifty, she joined the play. 

She journeyed through life with a radiant smile. Educated and caring, she went the extra mile. From Anadarko High to the University of Science and Art of Oklahoma, her Bachelor of Arts she did proudly display. A teacher of English, she inspired young minds, for the three years she taught, leaving no child behind. 

But the call of the caring led her heart to roam, to nursing she ventured, making Hillcrest Medical Center her home. At Hillcrest, she nursed, with skill and with grace, twenty-five years at a loyal pace. Merry's passion for healing, her compassionate shift, in the lives of the ailing, she was a gift.

But life is not all work, there's fun to be had, Merry's interests were many, they made her heart glad. She found joy in connections, in the web's vast expanse, gaming and trivia, she gave both a chance. Her trivia game thrived, a line out the door, challengers eager, always wanting more. 

From Pentatonix, The Gaither’s, and even the Bee Gees, band, music was her beat and with sister Linda at concerts, life was so sweet. A savior to pets, to 'Abby Too' she was dear, a heart full of love, for all creatures here. Rocky Kanaka's mission she did ardently back, a voice for the voiceless, the homeless, and hungry, to shelter the pets. 

Her love for the blue, like the sky so vast, Disney animations that forever will last. Flavored water was her sip of delight, and Linda's baked goods, oh what a sight! Eggs and toast to start her day right, or Spaghetti by Linda, a dinner, her favorite at night. 

In Aspen Park Baptist, her faith stood tall, with God, and her bible, she answered the call. Merry's life, a tapestry of love and care, adventurous, creative, beyond compare. Passionate in all, she lived with zest, in every endeavor, she gave her best.

On the twenty fifth day in February twenty-twenty-five, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Merry's spirit took her flight. Her sister Linda Lou Willingham remains to hold the light, with cousins Pauletta Stowe, Sam Hyden and Debbie, Lynn Dudley, and Bob so dear, Glenn Collier, Randy Hyden and Lenore, Scott Collier, and Montetta Crumper always near, close to heart, they keep her spirit bright.

Before her, family passed, and left an empty space, her parents, Joe and June Willingham, who first showed her life's grace. Sisters, Georgie Collier, Geraldine Hyden, and the Collier brothers three, Bobby, James, and Jack, now above the stars they are free. Her niece, Seamone Crumper, and great nephew, Ronnie Dudley too, all left the stage earlier, when their time came to shine. 

Her legacy is one of love and life, a testament to joy. Farewell, Merry Lee, your journey's complete, and in the heavens above, your loved ones you will meet. Your story lives on in the lives you have touched, in a world that thanks you, ever so much. 

A memorial service celebrating Merry’s life will be hosted by Aspen Park Baptist Church, 4400 S. Aspen Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74011, 918-455-2100 at 1:00PM on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Merry Lee Willingham entrusted his care, cremation, and service to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 231 E Commercial St, Broken Arrow, OK 74021, 918-251-5331