Venita Merle Claborn

Venita Merle Claborn, age 95, of Decatur, Texas, entered into the presence of her Savior on October 28, 2025, surrounded by her daughters, granddaughter, and grandson. 

Born on December 22, 1929, in Rush Creek, Texas, to Julius and Addie King, Merle was the beloved big sister to her brother Glenn. She spent her childhood in the New Harp community, where her days were filled with the simple joys of country life playing with cousins, and spending countless hours at her grandparents’ house just down the road. She loved baking lemon and fried pies to sell at her family’s grocery store, a sweet early sign of the love and care she would pour into everything she did. These early years nurtured her lifelong devotion to family, hospitality, and togetherness. 

On November 5, 1949, she married Kenneth Claborn in Electra, Texas. Together, they built a life on a farm in Alvord, raising their daughters Jenny and Janet, and later settling in Decatur. Merle was a devoted homemaker and a tireless helper on the family farm, tending gardens and cattle with care. Her home was a haven, always warm, always welcoming, and always filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies. 

Merle’s servant heart was the cornerstone of her life. She lovingly cared for her own mother and mother-in-law with grace and patience, embodying the biblical call to honor and serve. Her grandchildren were the joy of her heart, and she poured herself into their lives teaching, playing, baking, and praying. Her sweet countenance and quiet strength left a lasting imprint on all who knew her. 

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Decatur for 47 years, Merle lived out her faith through action. After retirement, she and Kenneth traveled the country in their RV, visiting national parks and serving with the Texas Baptist Men, offering disaster relief and gospel-centered outreach efforts wherever they served. 

She loved embroidery, puzzles, bluegrass gospel music, and old Westerns - especially Gunsmoke. Her grandchildren fondly recall summers filled with fishing trips, vacation Bible school, paper dolls, and laughter echoing through the house. She was the embodiment of love and devotion, always a consummate mother, grandmother, aunt, wife, and friend. 

Merle is survived by her daughter Jenny and son-in-law Lawrence (Pat); grandson Kenneth (Mark), great-granddaughter Courtney and husband Josh, and great-great-grandchildren Poppy and Clark; grandson Matthew (Matt) and wife Jessica, and great-grandchildren Caleb and Eliana (Ellie); daughter Janet; granddaughter Venita (Michelle) and husband Bobby, and great-grandchildren Addie and Cora; brother Glenn King; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Merle. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, her parents Julius and Addie King, and her son-in-law Randell Johnson. 

Her legacy of love, service, and sweetness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. 

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Merle’s life at a funeral service on November 1 at 1:00 p.m. at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by burial at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Texans on Mission (formerly Texas Baptist Men) or First Baptist Decatur.