Mayburn June Merchant's Obituary
It is with heavy yet joyful hearts that we announce the passing of Mayburn June Hendrickson Merchant, age 99, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Early on Tuesday, August 13th, Mayburn peacefully entered her heavenly home, surrounded by her loving family after a brief illness.
Born on June 4, 1925, in the bustling city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mayburn June Hendrickson, the oldest daughter of Merle Ruby McColley Hendrickson and William Merritt Hendrickson, became part of a family where love and faith would become the cornerstones of her life. Growing up alongside her three siblings—Winton, Thomas, and Jordis—Mayburn's early years were filled with the warmth of family gatherings, the laughter of childhood, and the nurturing presence of her grandmothers, Hannah Hendrickson and Christine McColley, whose influence would remain with her throughout her life.
After having moved to Sister Bay, Wisconsin, the Hendrickson family returned to Minneapolis, and it was here that Mayburn's life took a pivotal turn. Drawn by a profound call to missions, she felt the stirrings of a purpose that would define her future. Her singing talent blossomed as a teenager, and she became a paid soloist at a local church, her voice echoing the faith that guided her every step. After graduating high school, Mayburn worked as an elevator operator at Northwestern Bell in Minneapolis. During this time, she met Charles Merchant, the man who would become the love of her life. Their connection was instant, and on June 18, 1945, they married, beginning a journey that would span nearly six decades, rooted in love, strong faith in Christ, and a shared commitment to serve others.
1948, the Baptist General Conference sent Mayburn, Charles, and their two young children, Daniel (3yr) and Mary (18 mo.), to northeast India which would become their home for the next 12 years. Charles founded the Baptist Christian Hospital in Tezpur, Assam and was instrumental in establishing a nursing school, while Mayburn supported him and shared her love of music with the people of India. In the early 1960s, she recorded an album of sacred songs in English and Assamese titled "A Missionary Sings," a collection that continues to inspire and uplift many.
When they returned to the United States in 1960 with four more children (Rachel, Rebecca, Priscilla, and newborn daughter, Tara), Mayburn and Charles lived in the Minneapolis area, where it was a joy to be surrounded by extended family. Later, the family settled in Lakeland, Florida, where they continued to serve God. While Charles practiced medicine, Mayburn devoted herself helping at Charles’ medical office, sharing their faith through Bible studies and Sunday School groups. Together, they attended South Florida Heights Church of the Nazarene before becoming founding members of Victory Assembly of God, where Mayburn's devotion to teaching Sunday School left a lasting impact on countless lives.
In 2008, after the passing of her beloved Charles, Mayburn moved to Goodlettsville, Tennessee. There, she participated actively in the Wednesday women's Bible Study at First Church of the Nazarene in Nashville, where her faith and love for the Lord continued to inspire others. But it was her deep commitment to prayer that truly defined her. She prayed daily, lifting up her family, her friends, and those in need, passing on the significance of prayer to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even in her later years, she remained a steadfast prayer warrior, joining the Refreshing Springs Prayer Line at 4:30 AM, where she was affectionately known as Mother Mayburn. Her prayers, filled with power, love and devotion, became a source of comfort and strength for many.
Mayburn's life was a testament to the power of faith and the strength of love. One of her favorite verses, Isaiah 45:2a—"I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight" (KJV)—was a guiding light throughout her life, a promise she clung to and lived by. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will continue to live on in the lives of her family and those she touched.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Charles, Mayburn is survived by her six children, Daniel (Sue) Merchant, Mary (Keith) Anderson, Rachel McCarty, Rebecca (David) Hurst, Priscilla (Stephen) Speer, and Tara (Brock) Rust, as well as 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Jordis Wolf, along with many nieces, nephews, and a loving missionary family.
A private graveside service will be held in her honor. In lieu of flowers, Mayburn requested donations be made to the Emmanuel Hospital Association, fund noted specifically for Baptist Christian Hospital in Tezpur, Assam, India, an important cause close to her heart. https://eha-usa.givingfuel.com/hospital-donations
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