Karen Renee Merrell

 Karen Renee Merrell (James) “NeéNeé” went to be with our Lord and Savior Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 12:04 PM. She was surrounded by family at her home in Portland, Texas. Renee was the most loving, hard-working, and devoted, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother (NeéNeé), and friend. She was a GP graduate and lifetime booster club member. Renee was an avid hunter and enjoyed being her grandchildren‘s personal hunting guide. She played tennis and loved her tennis friends. She was an active member at GracePoint Church. She leaves a legacy in many clubs, organizations, and committees that stretch from softball to volleyball to little league or steer show family, to race teams, 4H and countless others. Renee married her high school sweetheart, Gary Merrell, and together they raised their three children. Renee loved hard and gave harder, she was the best of the best! Renee found her greatest joy in life being a grandmother. Her grandchildren always knew no matter what NeéNeé was there cheering them on. Renee will always be in our hearts in all ways.

Renee was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Merrell, her father, Charles Brandon Weldon James, and her son Charles Brandon Merrell.She is survived by her mother, Mary Lee James, her brothers Mark and Darren (Jenny) James, daughters, Shauna Zipprian (Anthony) Bryce, Preslee, Garrett, Preston, Tucker, Jagger, Shelby Merrell-Kubecka (Dwayne) Chase, Carly, Brayton, Koby, Keaton, son, Matthew Kyle Merrell (Kendra) Kasen, Kale, McKynley. Her sister-in-law, Debbie Harris, countless cousins and extended family. 

 Visitation will be held Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at GracePoint Church in Portland. Burial to follow at Palms Memorial Garden, and then visit with family at the Merrell’s immediately following.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com