Merrell Glenn Jefferies

Merrell Glenn Jefferies, son of the late E.J. and Martha Reba (Ashworth) Jeffries, was born March 27, 1949 in Pulaski County, Missouri where he grew up. As a young boy, Merrell attended elementary school at Waynesville and Laquey and graduated from Richland High School. On December 13, 1968, Merrell was united in marriage to Virginia F. Henry at the home of Rev. Paul Swadley who performed the ceremony. They shared over 48 years together and were blessed with six children: Julie Dawn, Shelia Jean, Lana Jolene, Virgil Roy, Virginia “Ginger”, and James Caleb. At a very early age, Merrell made a profession of faith and continued to serve God throughout the rest of his life as a pastor. He pastored several churches in the Pulaski County area and was a long time member of the New Friendship Church. In his spare time, Merrell enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing or working in the garden. He loved to sing with his family at gospel singings in the area and also worked with the local youth by running the Summer and Winter Youth League in Laquey. He was also instrumental in helping start the Laquey Alumni Association. Merrell went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 in the Richland Care Center of Richland, Missouri having attained the age of 68 years. Merrell is survived by his wife: Virginia Jefferies of Richland, MO; six children: Julie Dawn Myres (Gary) of O’Fallon, MO, Shelia Jean Steward (Ron) of St. Peters, MO, Lana Jolene Jefferies of Wichita, KS, Virgil Roy Jefferies of Richland, MO, Virginia “Ginger” Harmel of Round Rock, TX and James Caleb Jefferies of Richland, MO; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren; two siblings: Garry Jeffries (Debbie) of Richland, MO and Lisa Wideman of Laquey, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Merrell was preceded in death by maternal grandparents: John Joseph Henry Paris and Elizabeth (Robbins) Ashworth; paternal grandparents: Leslie Elbert and Addie (Hill) Jeffries; infant brother: Raymond Leo Jeffries and infant granddaughter: Aarika Myres. Services were held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 21, 2017 in the Memorial Chapel of Richland, Missouri with Pastor Larry Atkins and Pastor Gary Humphrey officiating. Special recorded music selections included “I Can’t Even Walk” and “What a Day That Will Be.” Soloist, Zella Wieners sang, “I Won’t Have to Worry Anymore” and Meagan Rask sang, “In the Garden.” Serving as escorts were Virgil Jefferies, Derek Jefferies, James Jefferies, Clayton Jennings, Christopher Steward, Ron Steward, Austin Myres and Gary Myres. Graveside service followed in Idumea Cemetery, Laquey, Missouri with Brother Jim Minor officiating. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Merrell Glenn Jefferies and may be left at the funeral home.

Merrell Glenn Jefferies

March 27, 1949 - July 19, 2017