I don't remember number of  the years that I worked with Merrie Jean but once I met her it was if I had always known her.  Her unwavering commitment to the students that she served never stopped. She could find a positive in the most challenging student and would use that to start change. Merrie Jean never gave up on a child. She was a rare and gifted  teacher.  I will always remember the lunches that we shared, her amazing German Chocolate Cake, her laughter and her love for Denis and her daughters. My heart is sad but also full because of the legacy she has left.

Merrie Jean was my co-worker and dear friend.  We shared so many good memories of our time in FBISD.  She was so smart and talented.  She was devoted to the children she served.  She will be missed by so many.  My condolences to her wonderful family.

I've known Merrie Jean since the '80s when we both worked at my church's Mothers Day out together.  We had so much fun then, and I had no idea that she would be a mentor to me as a new special ed teacher ten years later!  I admired her dedication to the students and her knowledge of the teaching techniques which would be needed to be effective for them.   She could never be equaled in all of her many talents!  

My sympathy to the family for the loss of their loving mother and wife.  She was always so proud of all of you!

Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow for your family's loss.  Over the last 50 years, Merrie Jean has remained a valued dear friend.  I will always hold and be thankful for the many wonderful memories we have shared through the years.  Dennis, you were the love of her life, while Lauren and Blair were cherished as her blessed gifts from God.  During this difficult time, I wish you all comfort and strength.
My love to you all.
Kathy Gaddy

Merrie Jean was one of the friendly faces I would encounter during my time working in a self-contained special education classroom at Ridgegate Elementary in the late 1980s.  We crossed paths again in the early 2000s at Palmer Elementary when she was the liaison for a computer math program.  When we reconnected, I enjoyed hearing about how Merrie Jean  remembered me as being the outspoken one at cluster meetings who spoke-up when administrative nonsense was being proposed and voiced the concerns and irritations of my fellow teachers.  Later on, Merrie Jean's  classroom visits at Palmer were special.   We would quickly take care of the math program business and then move on to more important matters like filling each other in on news about people we knew , what we had been doing for fun, and the details of our travels.  Then we’d go down the hall to see Karen Foley Cullum.  Merrie Jean was a bright spot on some long, grueling days!

Dennis and Blair,  
So many good soccer memories ...
Sincere condolences from the Revelt Family

We ran into each other in Wimberley, Texas at their market day. This was in 2016, and it was great that she heard my voice and came to investigate.  We had the best visit.  Merrie Jean will be greatly missed.

You knew there were going to be few dull moments if Merrie Jean was in the room. She had a subtle, quick, wickedly sharp sense of humor.  You would easily miss the punchline if you didn’t think fast on your feet.  But what a heart for kids.  Merrie Jean well-served the special education population in Fort Bend ISD.  She was a force to be reckoned with in advocating for students, extending herself to meet their needs in an exemplary fashion.  She will be missed.

Merrie Jean was a classmate of mine in High School.   Our lives crossed again when my son with special needs started school  and we met and discovered we were neighbors.  She turned her living room into a school room and my son and his best friend, Stephen, attended her class during the summer months.   My son is 45 now and remembers her well.   She made a difference.   My sincere condolences to her family, loved ones and friends.   
Elizabeth Hardy Briggs

Merrie Jean and I were high school friends. I will miss you.
Sheila Louviere Sachitano

Merrie Jean was a friend of my mom’s, but because of her kindness, her selflessness, and the way she always showed up for people, she became a friend to me too. Every time she was on my campus for work, she’d check in on me. It was just who she was—someone who always thought of others.

Not long ago, I sent her a message—one I never forget to send each year. Nineteen years ago, during an emergency, Merrie Jean came to find me. It happened to be a half day, and instead of going to lunch with everyone else, I’d chosen to go to a training. Still, someone told her I was probably just out to lunch. She told them, “If she says she’s there, she is.” And she came to get me herself. She showed up, put me in her car, and got me exactly where I needed to be. Then she stayed. For hours. She didn’t leave my side.

She was there for me in one of the hardest moments of my life—not because she had to be, but because that’s the kind of person she was. She loved people fiercely, and if you were a friend of her friend, that was more than enough. She made space for everyone. She made sure people knew they mattered. That day, and every day after, she gave me hope and comfort. And I’ve never forgotten that.

People often talk about that kind of goodness, but Merrie Jean lived it. She was it. A breath of fresh air. A steady presence. A light in this world. I’m forever grateful for how she cared for me, and for the beautiful friendship she continued to share with my mom over the years.

Her life meant so much. To so many. And I have no doubt she knew just how deeply she was loved. I will always carry her memory with me, and I can only hope to be the kind of soul she was—gracious, generous, and full of quiet strength.

Merrie Jean brought so much joy to the people in her life. Her dedication to students with special needs is admirable and will be remembered. It was a joy to work with her and she will be missed.  I am sending my thoughts and prayers  to her family and friends. We were blessed to have her in our lives. 

Lynne Guidry

Some people live their entire lives not knowing if they have truly helped another person. Merrie Jean’s life left no doubt. There are thousands of children who learned more due to her support of special education teachers and her amazing knowledge of instruction. She also gave a voice to hundreds of children through her knowledge of assistive technology and communication boards.

There is no doubt that Merrie Jean changed lives and the light of the world will burn less brightly because of her loss.

OBITUARY

Merrie Jean Peters

July 20, 1948 – April 4, 2025

The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek

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