“Well done, good and faithful servant” are the words every Christ-follower desperately desires to hear. Muriel Sullivan heard those words on April 29, 2023 after a short battle with cancer, and is now at eternal peace with his Lord and Savior.
He started his earthly journey on October 3, 1940, the youngest of three sons born to George and Ruby Sullivan, who lived near Ashland, Louisiana. He graduated from Castor High School then Northwestern State University, with a degree in Mathematics. One life-changing night in May 1964, he was introduced to Lavon Harper at a church function at Carolina Baptist Church in Saline; they were married seven months later in December, and were inseparable ever since. A year later, they had their first baby (Shavon) and soon enough they were a family of six, with Eric (1968), Penny (1973), and Mitsy (1974).
Vocationally, he was best known as a schoolteacher at Saline High School; he retired after 20 years of service. Prior to teaching, he’d worked for the Louisiana Highway Department and served in the Army National Guard. After retiring from education, he served several years as rural mail carrier before retiring for good.
Muriel was known by many names: Daddy, Pepaw, Uncle, Brother, and more. And he was known for his gentle and kind spirit, boundless love for his family, and genuine concern for those around him. He was always ready to help anyone in any way he could, whether that involved a helping hand, a listening ear, or wise advice.
His were the simple pleasures in life: Fishing (especially with Brad Dison), hunting for deer or squirrels, gardening, the occasional road trip vacation, excellent homestyle cooking, playing spirited games of cards and dominos with family, and of course singing and playing music. He found it nearly impossible to pass by a piano without playing a few notes, and he played several stringed instruments including the guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and others. He was also well-known for his wit and one-liners, affectionately known as “Muriel’s Pearls.” He played and sang in church countless times, and taught music to his kids (and dozens of others) as well. He was a leader in his church, a Sunday School teacher, and a role model for his kids and grandkids and many others. Greatest of all his attributes: he was a faithful and enthusiastic follower of Jesus. Nothing could distract him from the importance of his relationship with Him.
Muriel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lavon Harper Sullivan; brother Leland Sullivan (Nancy); son Eric Sullivan (Vicki); daughters Penny Holstead (Tim) and Mitsy Huffstetler (Shane); especially-close nephew Brad Dison (Victoria) and their son Jasper; granddaughters Kelsi Mitchell (Kyle), Lindsey McMurry (T.D.), and Shannon Huffstetler; grandsons Chet Andrews, Cody Andrews (Caitlin), Colt Andrews, Stephen Holstead, and Kaleb Holstead; great-grandson Brennon Huffstetler; great-granddaughter Ann Andrews.
Going before him into eternity were several people of significance to his life: his oldest daughter Shavon Sullivan; parents, George and Ruby Sullivan; older brother Talbert Sullivan; sister-in-law Carolyn Dison; and too many cousins and relatives to count.
The funeral service will be unique because it’s a joint service for both Muriel and Shavon. It will be held at 2 pm on Saturday May 6 at the Ashland Baptist Church in Ashland, Louisiana. Visitation is Friday from 5-7 pm. Burial is at Carolina Baptist Church cemetery, alongside several generations of their family, with the service conducted by Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home of Haughton and officiated by Rev. Calvin Hubbard.
To honor Muriel’s memory, we suggest that you support that which he valued so much: serving the Kingdom especially through the ministry of music. Please make a generous donation to your own church and its music program.
