A graveside service for Patricia Merchant, of Rusk, is scheduled at 10AM on Monday, July 26, 2021, at Mt. Comfort Cemetery in Maydelle. Services are under the direction of Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Bro. Brian Givens will officiate. Patricia passed away on July 21, 2021. She was born in Rusk on August 1, 1941, to William Raymond Dodson and Evelyn (Simmons) Dodson. Patricia was an enduringly sweet, gracious lady who loved life to its fullest. She was a wonderfully strong and faithful wife of 26 years, a loving mom and Nanny. A teacher of 30 years, Patricia shared her love of reading and learning with countless students. Patricia deeply loved her family and friends and cherished every ounce of time she shared with her children and grandchildren. She had a passion and love for life that could not be matched. She loved to shop, travel, teach, read, and bake. Above all things, she loved her family and friends most. Patricia was a wonderful mother who is referred to by her children as “the best mom ever.” She was an educator and taught home ec. at Slocum, Neches, and Rusk ISD. She was also a member of TX Laureate Gamma Chi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She was preceded in death by her loving parents. Left to cherish Patricia’s memory are her loving husband of 26 years, Curtis Merchant. Her children; Shelia Curry and Ash Andersen of Huntsville, John Merchant and wife Jill, Toni Collins and husband Chris, and her sister; Mary Favaron and husband George of Ovilla. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Zachary Curry and wife Jordan, Aaron Curry, Kaytlin Flora, Channing Collins, Halden Collins, Josie Campbell and husband Donnie, Seth Merchant, Ella Merchant, Hilary Lindsey, Jenna Lindsey, and Morgan Roach and husband Jordan. Two great-grandchildren; Laramie Campbell and Holden Roach. and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Chris Collins, John Merchant, Zachary Curry, Aaron Curry, Ash Andersen, and Seth Merchant.