Merilyn Rose Jackson Olson, 92, passed away peacefully on July 15^th, 2024, at her home in Houston, Texas surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Millard Richardson Jackson and Rosa Edwards Jackson and was born on October 17, 1931, in Phenix City, Alabama. 

In 1953, she met her husband Lawrence “Larry” Edward Olson at church in Phenix City while he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. They were married December 4, 1954. Merilyn and her husband lived in Alabama, Hawaii, California, South Carolina and West Virginia before settling in Clear Lake City, Texas in 1974. Merilyn and Larry moved to Shepherd, Texas, upon Larry’s retirement. After his death, Merilyn moved back to Clear Lake City to be near her children and to watch her granddaughter grow up.  

Throughout her life, Merilyn loved singing in church, both solos and in choir, and enjoyed being a member of the Sweet Adelines for a few years.  Merilyn enjoyed teaching Sunday School, working at Mother’s Day Out and participating in church mission trips. In addition to all her church related activities, Merilyn supported her children’s numerous church, school and sporting events.  She also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, arts and crafts and tending to her beautiful flowers. 

Merilyn was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her brother, Millard Jackson; her sisters, Evelyn Franklin, Selma Rollins, Margret Waddail, Dorothy Wellman; and sisters-in-law, Helen Shaw and Dorothy Hammond. She is survived by her children, Karen Olson, Don (Catherine) Olson and Lori (Joseph) Buttich; her granddaughter, Caitlyn Olson; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Ingram, Shirley Carey and Donna Olson and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 6pm to 8pm with a service at 7pm at Crowder Funeral Home at 111 E. Medical Center Blvd., Webster, TX 77598. In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial donation in Merilyn’s memory may do so to Samaritan’s Purse or American Heart Association.