Mary Searfoss

Jan. 21, 1930 - Jan. 13, 2012

Faithful Servant of the Lord

Melcena Lockwood Searfoss, 82, went to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 13, 2012. She was born January 21,1930 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to her parents Fred and Nellie Lockwood. She was a devoted wife, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and missionary. She and her husband Wayne Searfoss were married on August 29,1949 and so began a life of dedicated service to the Lord. They began their missionary work together in Mexico in 1960 and spent 13 years there planting churches before moving to Venezuela. The Searfoss’ returned to Mexico in 2004 and have continued their mission work in the city of Queretaro, Mexico. A gifted writer, she contributed to the monthly publication of ‘The Martyr Call’ newletter for over 40 years, as well as writing poems and other inspirational articles. She is highly esteemed by 2 or 3 generations of people who came to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior through her and Wayne’s ministry. She enjoyed music and used her talents to establish a love for the Lord through hymns and choruses as she played accordion and organ in the churches that were birthed and grew to become independent. Many times, she was the only Sunday School teacher for the many children that she taught over the years until leaders were raised up to take over the task. Many of those children grew up to be ministers and teachers and continue to this day. The women of the churches looked to her as an example of Godly woman and sought her advice and friendship until she was no longer able to communicate. Her life was in peril several times for the Gospel’s sake.

She was compassionate, industrious, frugal and loving. She enjoyed laughing at jokes and funny stories. Having lived through the depression years, she could make do with a little - an ideal talent to have on the mission field. Her delight was her grandchildren. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Her reward in Heaven will be great.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Glenn and Wayne. She is survived by brothers Rev. Lin (Pat) Lockwood, Ken (Frankie) Lockwood, Donald Lockwood Sr., Al Lockwood (Shirley), Paul (Becky) Lockwood, and sisters Dorothy Eision, Barbara (Wayne) Palframan, Ellen (Bob) Lahiere, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Wayne Searfoss, her daughter Olevia Dantzler (Andre), son Stephen Searfoss (Becky), son Timothy Searfoss (Maribel), son Jonathan Searfoss (Carmen), grandchildren: Steven Searfoss (Elin), Andre Dantzler (Jennifer), Natasha Gennet (Matt), Timothy Searfoss (Dixie), Nathan Dantzler (Paige), Priscilla Dew Bakker (Reuben), David Searfoss (Fiance Nicole), Rachel Searfoss, Deborah Searfoss, and Faith Searfoss, great-children: Ashley, Isaac, Natalia, Elijah, Sebastian, and Dahlia.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” Psalm 116:15

The family will receive friends and family on Wednesday from 4 PM to 7 PM at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. A private burial will take place on Thursday at Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com Arrangements are by the Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist, North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153 Hixson, Tennessee 37343.