E. Merle Dishburger

E. Merle (Cox) Dishburger, age 84 of Midland, died Thursday December 11, 2014 at Sycamore Medical Center in Miamisburg, Ohio. The daughter of the late J.T. and Elva (Adams) Cox was born in Texas on February 24, 1930. In 1947 she graduated from Demonstration High School and later Stephen F. Austin State University in 1950 with a Bachelor's Degree in English. Merle taught elementary school in Texas. While attending SFA she met and married her husband Henry J. Dishburger in 1951 and moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where Henry finished up his Master's degree. After graduating Oklahoma A & M (Oklahoma State), they moved to Richland, Washington in 1953 where she and Henry worked for General Electric Company. She worked in the Public Library until they moved in 1953 to Lake Jackson, Texas with Dow Chemical Company. In Lake Jackson she was active in Garden Club and First Baptist Church bible study. While there, their three children DeAnn Lee, Paul T. Dishburger and Denise Clark were born.

In 1970, they were transferred with Dow Chemical and moved to Midland, Michigan. Merle volunteered at Adams Elementary Library, Symphony League, American Association of University Women, was a member of Bird Study, Decorative Arts and Reading groups. She enjoyed craft work and was known for her necktie pillows, crocheted afghans and pot holders that she shared with friends. Merle belonged to Emmanuel Baptist Church, worked in the church library, taught Children's Bible School and attended bible studies. Merle and Henry were founding members of Sunrise Baptist Church in Midland. They were involved in mission work with the Bay Area Association and Michigan Southern Baptist Foundation. They had a heart for supporting small mission churches throughout Michigan.

Surviving is her children, DeAnn (Steven) Lee of Waynesville, Ohio, Paul T. Dishburger of Peachtree City, Georgia, Denise (Tom) Clark of Carrollton, Texas; grandchildren, Jasmine Lee, Alicia Imbrock, Travis Dishburger, Jana Clark, Carolyn Dishburger; brother, Tom (Kitty) Cox of Katy, Texas; niece, Kathy Cox, Laura Koening, Carolyn Green and Tommy Cox of Texas.

Funeral services for Merle will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday December 16, 2014 at Sunrise Baptist Church. Pastor Mark Weick will officiate. Interment will be in Midland City Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home 4210 N. Saginaw Rd Midland on Monday from 4 till 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be offered to Henry & Merle Scholarship Fund c/o New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 3939 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70126, or J.T. Cox Scholarship Fund, Alumni Association, Stephen F. Austin PO Box 6096 SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962-9918. The scholarship was started by alumni, family and friends as a tribute to the 25 years Cox spent as band director at SFA for music students. Personal messages of condolence maybe offered to the family at www.wilson-miller.com