Merna Colleen Garrison

Merna Colleen Kelly Garrison, daughter of Lorum Leland Kelly and Gladys Lavina Stipp Kelly was born 1932 in Fairview, Missouri. Colleen departed this life Sunday, April 21st, 2019, at the age of 86 years.

Colleen attended school in Fairview, Missouri. Colleen was valedictorian of the graduating class of 1950. She was united in marriage to Dewey Dillard Garrison August 15, 1953 in Fairview, Missouri. Soon after their marriage, the Garrison’s moved to Wichita, Kansas where they lived the rest of their lives.

Colleen was a homemaker and an avid “garage and estate” sale shopper. She loved buying items for a quarter or a dime and sharing them with people that had need. Many a child was raised on “Miss Colleen’s” clothes and toys. A friend could go to “Miss Colleen’s” shopping mart in her basement to find a pie plate, basket, pretty dish or cup to use. She always used her “garage sale purchases” to decorate her dining table for every season of the year. Generosity was the perfect word that described Colleen.

Colleen loved the game of basketball. Many an afternoon friends and family would find her sitting in front of her TV rooting the victory of her favorite teams; Wichita State University Shockers and Kansas University Jayhawks. She and her Grandson teased each other for years, because he preferred the Wildcats of Kansas State University!

Colleen had been a long-term member of the Sharon Baptist Church and spent many a day volunteering in Sunday School Classes, Vacation Bible School, Food bank, a Christian outreach program, and many other activities. Colleen also took great joy in honoring shut-in’s by stopping by with groceries or other needs.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 47 years, Dewey Dillard Garrison.

Colleen is survived by her Brother, Dallas Kelly (Carolyn Dee) of Missouri; Sister Carolyn Throm (Chuck) of Colorado; Sons, Sidney Garrison (Terry) of Missouri, Philip Garrison of Texas; one grandson, four great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 25 from 3-7pm, with family present from 5-7pm, at Lakeview Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 26, 2019 at 2pm, Sharon Baptist Church, Wichita, Kansas. Pastor Roy Moody and Pastor Kyle Emery officiating. Russell & Susan Miller will sing “Victory in Jesus”, and “Amazing Grace”; accompanied by Merla Dwyer on the piano.

Memorials in Colleen's name can be made to Sharon Baptist Church, 2221 S. Oliver, Wichita, KS 67218.

Casket bearers: Ryan Garrison, Michael Houser, Jim Homes, Rob Mannes, Tony McDonald, and Michael Weatherly.

Honorary casket bearers: Fred Cochran, Dallas Kelly, Danny Scott, Dean Seright, Chuck Throm and LeeRoy Weatherly.

Interment will be in The Lakeview Funeral Home Cemetery next to her husband in Wichita, Kansas. Lakeview Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements.