Vernon Marquaine Merchant

Vernon Marquaine (Mark) Merchant, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Oxford, Mississippi.

 Mark was born September 11, 1938, near Ludlow, Mississippi, to Grady and Ruby Craig Merchant. He attended grade school at Branch and graduated from Pisgah High School after he placed his education on hold for a year to serve in the United States Navy.

 Mark married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Harrell, on July 27, 1962. Mark and Dot shared many happy adventures during their 62 years of marriage.

 Mark was best known for his easy-going manner and ready smile that drew people to him. He was also known for his fierce loyalty to his family and friends and his humble actions to serve the needs of those around him.

 Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Ruby Merchant and his siblings, James Merchant, Vivian Still, Joe Merchant, Grady Merchant, Rosie Layne Byrd, Willie Merchant, Wilbur Merchant, and Opal Irby.

 Mark is survived by his wife, Dot; son, Mike Merchant; daughter, Mindy (Steve) Redding; sisters, Lovell Smith and Carolyn (Rodney) Lawrence; grandchildren, Jonathan (Alison) Redding, Joshua Redding, Jared Redding, Marshall Merchant, and Michael Merchant; and great-grandchildren Evelyn Redding and Elijah Redding.

 Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 19, at Branch Baptist Church in Morton, MS. Visitation is scheduled for 11am to 1pm with funeral to follow at 1pm under the direction of Ott and Lee Funeral Home of Morton. The graveside service and interment will be in the church cemetery.