Merra Lynn Stracener's Obituary
STRACENER, Merra Lynn; Age 57 of Nashville, TN passed away October 30, 2010, after a long illness. She was born in Alton, Illinois on July 14, 1953 to her parents, James and Bettye Hart. She is also survived by her son, Stephen Stracener; sister, Lorrie Martin; brother, Jimmy (Deanna) Hart Jr.; nephew, Brian Martin; nieces, Crystal Martin (Jeremiah) Apple, Lindsey Hart and Alexa Riley; great-nephews, Julian Jordon and Jonah Martin; cousin, Ret. Lt. Col. Michael (Lori) Oakes. Merra was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Roy and Elizabeth Oakes of Russellville, KY; her paternal grandmother Ms. Dessie Hart; her great aunt, Lavina Johnson; uncle, Roy R. Oakes and cousin John F. Oakes. Merra graduated from Litton High School in 1971 and attended Medical Career College, where she was at the top of her class. She was employed by Metro General Hospital, and Vanderbilt Hospital. She later transferred to Veterans Administration Hospital. She worked as a phlebotomist and retired from VA Medical Center in 2005 on disability. She loved serving the veterans and they all loved her. Some would even ask for her specifically. Merra was an avid bowler and most of all enjoyed bowling with her family. She liked to fish, loved the outdoors, liked to take short trips and loved being close to the children in our family. She was a fan of country and gospel music. Merra was associated with Nashville Cowboy Church. The funeral ceremony will be conducted on Wednesday November 3, 2010 at 11AM in the chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home with Dr. Harry Yates and Joan Cash Yates officiating. Interment will follow in Historic Spring Hill Cemetery where pallbearers will be, Mark Carter, Brian Martin, Vic Bradley, Jeremiah Apple, Mark Smiley, Mike Sullivan; honorary, Betty McKinley Priscilla McCurtis, Tracey Suiter and Marcelle Sweet. The family will receive friends from 4-8PM on Tuesday evening. Professional arrangements by: SPRING HILL FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY 5110 Gallatin Road at Briley Parkway, Nashville, TN 37216 (615)865-1101
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