A celebration of the life of Merikay Qualls will be held on Saturday, October 5th at 10:30 a.m. at the Dannel Funeral Home Chapel in Sherman, Texas. Merikay passed away on Monday, October 1st after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Merikay was born on March 10, 1949 to Fred and Joann Korioth Mauldin in Sherman, Texas. She grew up in South Texas, graduating from Calallen High School in 1967. She married John Qualls on December 30, 1968 and made Sherman her home. Together they raised four wonderful children and were blessed along the way with nine grandchildren. Over the years, Merikay enjoyed anything that involved creativity from painting to catering, to holiday decorating to her real passion of coordinating weddings. She loved serving others and brought her own special "joy" to everything that she did and everyone that she met. She will be missed more than words can ever express.

She is survived by her loving, devoted husband, John and four children; a daughter, Jana Bennett and husband Randy of Whitesboro, and three sons, John Qualls and wife Sherry of Sherman, Jason Qualls and wife Renea Qualls of Sherman, and Jeff Qualls and wife Michelle of McKinney, Texas. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren, Hank and Will Bennett of Whitesboro, Sydney, Ashlyn, Blu, Cane and Tad Qualls of Sherman and Parker and Payton Qualls of McKinney. She is also survived by two brothers, Michael Mauldin and wife Susan of Grass Valley, Calif., Matt Mauldin and wife Terri of San Antonio and four sisters, Melanie Richards and husband Cloy of Lake Tawakoni, Marci Bomar and husband Gary of Abilene, Missy Gilliam and fiancé Paul Prewit of Midland, and Emily Mauldin of San Antonio. Her spirit will also live on in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends.

If desired, donations may be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County, 505 W. Center St., Sherman, TX 75090.