Mary Jo Forrest Copenhaver English Merriman, 94, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in Lubbock. Born on February 1, 1921, Mary Jo is the daughter of S. Lamar and Myrtle Forrest, who owned and operated Forrest Lumber Company until 1975. The lumber company had several stores in the communities surrounding Lubbock as well.
She was active in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority alumni group for many years. She was also a long standing member of First United Methodist Church of Lubbock and a big supporter of the church music program, Friends of Music, and made large contributions to the new choir room of the church. She and Ed Merriman were also very active in the 2nd helpings program at the church. Along with the church music program, she was a big supporter of the Texas Tech Summer Music Camp Program and sent each of her grandchildren to the camp every summer they could attend. Mary Jo served on the Boards of Goodwill, Opportunity Plan, and Lubbock Symphony Guild. She also made a large contribution to the America Wind Power Center, as well as to the Ranching Heritage Center. She was also active in the Lubbock Women's Club and modeled for many style shows throughout the years.
She loved to travel, and went to many countries over the years. In her travels she not only traveled by planes and trains, but also by hot air balloons, reindeer safari, dogsleds, and river boat cruises. She just loved traveling in general and kept in contact with many individuals she met on her travels.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Kay Woody (Jack) of Albuquerque, NM, Carolyn Ramsey-Christians (Chip) of Los Alamos, NM, Ann Flake (Arlan) of Holly Lake Ranch, TX, Karen Condit (Roger) of San Antonio, TX; her grandchildren, Lesley Swissler (David), Justin Ramsey, Kristi Flake, Kirby Flake (Misty), Marianne White (Greg), Garth Condit; great grandchildren, Brett Swissler, Brandi Richardson (Phillip); and nieces and nephews, Jean and Murray McNeely, Lyan and Sheila Forrest, Marianne and John Loveless.
The family would like to thank the Staff of Carillon and Home Instead for all of there care. Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church 2nd Helpings and the Music Department, Opportunity Plan or your favorite charity.
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