Muriel Dansby, age 96, passed away Friday, March 29, 2024, peacefully in the home of Clint and Gail Dansby with Sherry Newell and other family members in Van Alstyne, Texas.

Muriel (Merle) was born October 17, 1927, in Albany, Oklahoma to Bill and Gladys Dunegan and was the oldest of 4 children.  In 1946, she married Dewitt (Dee) Dansby also of Albany, with whom she had 3 children.  Muriel began their marriage living with Dee on his father's farm and was introduced to the Pentecostal faith that would shape her life, her family's and everyone she touched.  Martha Dansby, her mother-in-law, was the matriarch of our Pentecostal heritage that is now a part of the 5th generation and going strong.    Muriel was given the news in her late 30's that her heart was damaged and would have about 7 more years to live.  She petitioned the Lord to let her raise her family, since Clint, the youngest, was only 5 at the time.    She promised to take her family to church and she did.  That was 59 years ago!

Muriel loved her family with an intensity second only to her love for God.  Those that knew her including neighbors were accustomed to hearing her passionate prayers for anyone in need.  She was the friendly neighbor where they lived for 50 years and was known for being a welcoming greeter to the visitors at church each Sunday.

Muriel was a mother figure to all that knew her. Her attentive listening and availability to everyone night or day was her strength while her promise to pray with and for you was a constant in her life.  Surviving a tornado in 1948 left her as an avid storm watcher.  She was a professional home body and loved to garden. When she cooked it was to please everyone even if that meant multiple dishes. A Prayer Warrior, Sunday School Teacher and constant witness of God's Grace. Though small in stature, her faith made her a Spiritual Giant.    She opened her home to any that had a need and was still doing so until the end.  She always had a heart for others.  She may have only given birth to 3 children, but she was a mother to many more.

She will be missed by all who loved her.  Her love and prayers are her legacy that she imparted to each of us.  Her faith in God's inexhaustible grace and a heart to serve others is the example she left.

Muriel was proceeded in death by her late parents, Bill and Gladys Dunegan, husband, Dee Dansby, Son, Bradley D. Dansby, Grandson, Scott Dansby and Sister, Nelda Compton.

Survivors:  Brothers,  Dale Dunegan and Stanley and Delma Dunegan, Children, Sherry Newell of Sherman and Clint and Gail Dansby of Van Alstyne, Tx, Grandchildren, Brad and Teresa Dansby, Garrett Dansby,  Garth and Bri Dansby, Katie Toland and Great grandchildren, Kambria Dansby, Brandon Dansby, Bryce Dansby, Darrian Kemp, Coby Newell and Tiger Toland. Extended family, Carla Patterson and Patricia Smith along with many nieces, nephews and all who called her mom.

Funeral:  2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 3, at a Graveside Service at Albany Cemetery, Albany, Ok.  Visitation , 6 to 8 pm, Tuesday, April 2 at American Funeral Services in Denison, Texas

Honorary Pallbearers:  Brandon Dansby, Garrett Dansby, Garth Dansby, Bryce Dansby, William (Tiger) Toland, and Tommy Hanley