Merle Jean Thigpen Garrett, 78, of Naples, Texas, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015, in Tyler, Texas. Jean was born August 29, 1936, in Naples, Texas, to Merle Martin Thigpen and Elizabeth Whitecotton Thigpen.

Jean was the deputy tax assessor/collector in Morris County for many years. She was a member at Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William R. "Bill" Garrett; parents, Merle Martin Thigpen and Elizabeth Whitecotton Thigpen; one sister, Sandra Beth Thigpen Brown; one stepson, James "Jim" Garrett; and one grandson, Michael Garrett.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Robert Earl Kennedy, Jr. and wife Tami of Palestine, Texas; one daughter, Betty Jean Williams of Garland, Texas; one brother, Tony Thigpen of Naples, Texas; one sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Charles Vaughn of Daingerfield, Texas; five grandchildren, Kristen Elizabeth Garrett Stoker, Matthew Kennedy, Jennifer Kennedy, Amber Tsosie, and Brooke Tsosie; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2015, at Rocky Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Rocky Branch, Texas, with Bro. Gary Griffith officiating. Interment will follow at Springhill Cemetery in Rocky Branch.