It is with great sadness, the family of Wanza Juanita Merchant, 90, announces her peaceful passing on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 in Azle, Texas. Wanza was born October 5, 1933, in Crowell, Texas. She lived a full and active life. She believed in making memories not just in dreaming. As a military wife she lived in exotic places like Italy, Germany and from 1962-1964 Tripoli, Libya. While at Wheelus AFB, in Tripoli she was recognized as the first woman, in a Muslim country, to host a live weekly TV and radio program. Later in life she entered the nursing home industry as an administrator and was elected as President of the Texas Nursing Home Association. In her retirement years she enjoyed making arts and crafts with her late sister, Bobbie. They would often be found at arts and craft shows throughout North Texas. She loved reading and took great delight in planning and hosting parties for her friends and relatives. She was grateful for her loved ones, including her many friends at St. Francis Village, who left footprints on her heart. She will be missed by all who loved and adored her. She was proceeded in death by parents; Cleo Spears and Lorene Jones; sisters, Bobbie and husband Bill Greenfield; Pamela Spears; grandson, Jesse Ray Parks; niece, Connie Spears; nephew, Glenn Greenfield; and beloved husband, Joseph Merchant. She is survived by sons, Dennis Parks and wife Cathy; Colin Parks and wife Sharon; brothers, Charles Spears and wife Linda; Randy Jones and wife Becky; granddaughters, Kimberlee Ashley and husband Jason; Kristi Staples and husband Rick; Rebecca Dixon and husband Kirk; grandson Willie Parks; great grandchildren, Audrey, Ethan, Jake, Owen, Violet; nephews, Kerry Greenfield and wife Lisa; Danny Greenfield and wife Kari Lynn; and niece Tammy Shaw and husband Gary. There will be a private graveside service for family at Emerald Hills Memorial Park in Kennedale, Texas.