Deanie Roach Merritt

Deanie was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on August 29, 1946, the youngest of two children born to Hubert and Mary Helen (Cook) Roach. After spending her early years in Hugo, she was raised in Paris, Texas from age 7. Deanie attended Paris public schools and graduated from Paris High School in 1964.

In 1961, while still in high school, she met Jack Eldon Merritt. They married in 1967 and were married for 47 years. Following her graduation from Abilene Christian University in 1967, Deanie began her career in education at Aldine Middle School in Houston, Texas, where she worked for 28 years.

After teaching Home Economics for 11 years, Deanie obtained her Masters Degree in Education and Administration in 1979 from Sam Houston State University. She dedicated her next 17 years as the Assistant Principal at Aldine MS. Deanie accomplished immeasurable improvements in teaching and education throughout the Aldine school system, the Houston area and State of Texas, becoming involved in the Texas State Teachers Association and actively serving on the governing board for the Houston Area Middle School Association. She was honored to become a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (an honorary international organization for outstanding female educators), and an honorary lifetime member of the Texas PTA and the Texas State Teachers Association. In 1996, Deanie and Jack established an endowment for the “Deanie Merritt Award” which awards an annual scholarship to Aldine ISD Students to this day. Deanie was a mother to every child who attended Aldine Middle School in the 28 years she was there. She was passionate about helping all children achieve their best on a personal and educational level. Her caring and generous heart touched the lives of every child in her path, as well as her family and her many friends, leaving a forever positive imprint.

Deanie never met a stranger, and was a gifted storyteller, holding us all in thrall with her ability to make even everyday events feel like an adventure. She was generous with her time, talent and treasure, and will be missed by everyone she encountered in her well-lived life. A natural force in the garden, Deanie never came across a plant she couldn't revive, propagate or nurture to its fullest beauty or bounty, and she made these results look easy as can be.

Deanie was preceded in death by her husband Jack Merritt, sister Helen Norman, mother Mary Helen Roach, father Hubert Roach, and stepmother Eulalia Roach. She is survived by her four nieces: Karen Norman of Austin, Texas, Dr. Laurie Gwyn of Wichita, Kansas, Laura Merritt of Austin, Texas, Natasha Merritt of San Francisco, California, and their families; her brother-in-law Lawson Merritt and his wife Sharon; and brother-in-law Mike Merritt and his wife Diane. Deanie is also survived by many loving friends who considered her like a family member.

A Burial Service will be held on Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 in the morning at Forest Park Cemetery at 12800 Westheimer in Houston, Texas. Attire in Deanie’s favorite colors of turquoise or teal is encouraged. Live-Streaming of the service is available at https://www.facebook.com/ForestParkWestheimer

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following two charities for which Deanie held a passion: To further Deanie’s mission to assist children in obtaining education, please make a donation to the Deanie Merritt Award at www.LoneStar.edu/Giving-Scholarships (select Scholarships in the drop down window and place Deanie’s name in the comment section). To support Deanie’s love of rescue animals, please visit A Smart Rescue at www.smartpetz.com (and select “Ways to help”).

Deanie’s devotion to education and animals were contagious and we appreciate your donation in her memory.