Edna Merle Lutrell, affectionately known as "Mimi" to many who loved her, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, November 5, 2025.

She was born on October 1, 1935, in Jackson, TN, to Edna and Carl Mullins. Merle married James Giley Lutrell in 1954, and they shared a loving marriage until his passing on August 5, 2015.

Merle was a proud graduate of Northside High School in Jackson and worked for many years with Sylvania Manufacturing, later retiring from Penguin Random House. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church, where she served faithfully with the Ministry in a Basket. She never missed reading the church bulletins, especially the jokes section, which always made her smile. Her faith in our Savior was central to both her life and character.

She had a passion for travel, reading, cooking, and solving her crossword puzzles. Merle also took great pride in maintaining her yard, where not a single leaf dared to be out of place.

Above all else, Merle's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She loved surprising them with her spontaneity, always finding ways to make each one feel cherished. Whether through adventures or everyday moments, she showed each of them that they were deeply loved. The memories she created with her beloved grandchildren will be treasured by them forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James; her parents, Edna and Carl; and her brother-in-law, Paul. Merle is survived by her sister, Nancy; two sons, Michael Lutrell (Debbie) and Mark Lutrell (Trudy); and grandchildren, Eric Lutrell, Logan Lutrell (Chloe), and Lauren Lutrell.

Her visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  at Dyersburg Funeral Home, and funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Dyer County Memorial Gardens with family members and friends honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family request that memorials, in lieu of flowers, be directed to the ministries of Second Baptist Church in Dyersburg.