Merle Neumann, 72, of Waco, went to be with our Heavenly Father Thursday, November 25, 2010 at Providence Health Center. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, November 29, 2010 at Grace Temple Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Huckeby officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, November 28, at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.
Merle was born to Joseph Marion and Lillie Schlemmer Dodson in Rosebud, Texas. She moved to Waco, attended Waco schools, and graduated from Waco High. She was an active member of Grace Temple Baptist Church where she was Vacation Bible School Director, Chair of the Personnel Committee, children's Sunday School teacher, and Chair of the Social Committee. She worked in the jewelry business many years at Morris Jewelers and Bill Gibson Jewelers. She retired from Therrell Alarm and Security and spent her remaining years caring for her great Âgrandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; the fathers of her children, Jasper Lee Thomason and Raymond Guy Lowry; brother, George Dodson; sister, Betty Dickens; and grandson, Mason Guy Lowry.
She is survived by her husband, Leonard Neumann; daughter, Patricia Nevarez and husband, Frank; sons, Jasper Lee Thomason, Jr., and Derrick Guy Lowry and wife, Missy; brother, Harold Dodson and wife,Carolyn, of Waco; sisters, Margie Good and husband, George Robert of Euless, Jean Buck, Kathryn Baulos, and Pat Pophin of Waco; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews; and other dear family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, "Nana," sister, aunt, and friend.
Pallbearers will be Salvadore Garcia, Tony Nevarez, Sr., Ricky Thomason, Brandon Bianchi, Ottis Low, and Bob Unger.
The family thanks the ICU staff at Providence and her church family who supported the family during her brief illness.
Memorials may be made to the Grace Temple Baptist Church Building Fund, 3825 Bosque Blvd., Waco, Texas 76710.