Patricia Merrill Morey passed into the loving arms of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ Monday, March 14, 2022 in Denton, Texas.  She was an Iowa girl, born in Des Moines on January 16, 1922 to Keith and Rachel Merrill.  She is preceded in death by her husband George Ellers Morey, Jr., her parents, and her siblings – Ann Shelby, Keith Merrill, Jr., and Gretchen Wilson.

As a child, it was discovered that Patricia had the gift of perfect pitch. She also began her lifelong love affair with the piano.  After majoring in piano performance at the University of Colorado and earning bachelor's and master's degrees, she taught at Murray State College.  A certain fellow faculty member caught her eye. Patricia and George began their 49-year marriage, started their family, and moved to Denton when George was appointed flute/viola professor and orchestra conductor at UNT. Not only was Patricia her husband's accompanist, but she nurtured her growing family with music, food and kindness. She taught private piano lessons as time would allow. She and her husband delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. A member of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church for 68 years, she led her family by example, allowing Christ to reveal Himself through her winsome personality.

Always up for a trip, Patricia headed off with five kids to Lake Okoboji, Iowa each summer, while her husband stayed in Denton to teach summer school. Able to manage a 40 ft. 'A' boat, she was an accomplished sailor, swimmer and diver. As empty-nesters, Patricia and George explored England and Europe. After George died, she enjoyed traveling with her sisters and her children. A life-long learner, she loved reading, took German at UNT, and more recently added Spanish to her language studies. In her 90's, she continued to play piano for her music organizations and also headlined the annual Morey Family Christmas Talent Show.

Patricia was a gourmet cook on a teacher's budget, leaving family favorites compiled in a cookbook for her grandkids. Demonstrating her enthusiasm for life, Patricia enjoyed activities outside the home – Bridge, SAI, PEO, and Ariel Club. In more recent years, she participated in a family book club with her children and in-laws.

Patricia is survived by her children – George Patrick Morey (Nesha), Bridget Morey Davis, Michael Morey (Shelly), Katherine Morey Jenkins (Scott), and Margaret Morey Payne (Willis 'Bill').  At 100 years old, she could recite the birthdays of her 19 grandchildren, their spouses, and 27 great grandchildren in chronological order.

When each of her children were asked to describe her with one word, they replied with the following: gentle, kind, caring, peacemaker, and servant.

In October 2010, Patricia accepted UNT's Generations of Excellence Award on behalf of the Morey family. Her remarks summed up her life: "The three most important priorities to me are God, family and music and this all starts at home."

Visitation is Friday, March 18 from 5 to 7 pm at DeBerry Funeral Home

Memorial Service is Saturday, March 19 at Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church at 2:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Our Daily Bread

c/o Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church

300 W. Oak

Denton, TX 76201