08/21/2026
In Her Own Words: The Story of Merilyn Henderson Pierce
The following essay was written by Merilyn Henderson as a school assignment while she was a student in Tuttle. The paper earned an A- from her teacher and offers a delightful glimpse into her personality, interests, and dreams as a young teenager.
My Story
My name is Merilyn Henderson I live with my parents, Mr. & Mrs. Henderson, my younger brother and sister, Terry and Judy. We live in a six room modern house, about two blocks east of the High School.
My Daddy is an engineer at Tinker Field. But if you see him on Saturday your first thought would be, “Where did that come from?”
One of my hobbies is raising hogs. I enjoy showing and taking care of my hogs. I have two to show at the fair this year. I plan on having a calf to show next year. I think raising stock is fun.
That is one of my chores, but my brother helps me, maybe you should say I help him.
Another responsibility of mine is cleaning house, but I really don’t think of it as a chore because I enjoy it.
I don’t have any special subject. I just like the ones that are interesting and I believe they will all be interesting this year, having a different teacher for every subject. I like to read very much. I like stories and books about things that could happen to anyone not particularly true stories, but stories about people my age and things pertaining to teenagers.
I can’t really say I have a favorite in anything. T.V. or Radio programs, movies, movie stars, sports or foods. I change so much. Sometimes I like one thing and other times I like something completely different. We don’t have a T.V. but of the programs I see when I visit someone I like the panel quizs best. I listen to the radio quite often.
Music, stories, once in a while I listen to news. I become interested in most anything I listen to.
My favorite movie star at the present is Charlton Heston
My favorite sport is basketball, but if we had a softball team I like that just as much as basketball.
When it comes to picking my favorite food I can’t do it. I’d eat most anything as long as it looked and smelled good.
I don’t know what I do best that’s really not for me to say. You might ask some of my teachers or friends.
When I finish school I want to get married. I do intend to finish school first.
My Daddy says the most trouble I have in English is pronouncing the words guess and just. But I think I have more trouble with other things such as diagraming, especially complex sentences. You’ll see what I mean the first time I have to diagram one.
by Merilyn Henderson
Looking back on Merilyn's words today, it is easy to see the qualities that would shape her future: a love of family, a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a humble spirit. The young girl who wrote about helping with chores, raising livestock, and finishing school before getting married would go on to live a life of service to her family, students, church, and community.
Merilyn Henderson Pierce was born in 1938 to Elmo and Anna Lee Henderson. She was the beloved granddaughter of Felix Lynn “Granny” Boman and Oma Oliver Boman, growing up surrounded by the values of family, community, and hard work that would guide her throughout her life.
A proud member of the Tuttle High School Class of 1957, Merilyn embraced her school years with enthusiasm and leadership. During her four years in high school, she participated in FHA, Band, Glee Club, Softball, Pep Club, Operetta, and the Senior Play. She served as a Freshman Representative, Class Officer, Glee Club Officer, and Band Officer. Her classmates recognized her spirit and character by selecting her as the FFA Queen during her sophomore year, and she was honored as a Football Queen attendant her freshman year. She was also a member of the State Honor Society, reflecting both her dedication and academic achievement.
In 1958, Merilyn married Willard Pierce, beginning a partnership that would center on faith, family, and community. Willard, the son of Wiley L. and Mary Wilson Pierce of Kansas, had moved to Tuttle in 1949 and served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1947. He later built a successful career as the owner and operator of Guarantee Mutual Life Insurance Agency in Oklahoma City for more than thirty years.
Together, Merilyn and Willard raised four children: sons Monte, Perry, and Tommy, and daughter Wendy Pierce Marble. Family was at the heart of Merilyn’s life, and she devoted herself to creating a loving home while encouraging and supporting her children in their pursuits.
Never one to stop learning, Merilyn fulfilled a lifelong goal by earning her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in Chickasha in 1982. She then embarked on a career that reflected her compassionate nature, teaching special education at Tuttle High School beginning in 1984. Her patience, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of countless students, helping them find confidence and success.
Merilyn and Willard were faithful members of Hillcrest Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Merilyn also enjoyed her involvement in the Ranchwood Garden Club, where she shared her love of friendship, beauty, and community service.
Although Merilyn's life was cut short when she passed away in 1989, her influence continues through the family she cherished, the students she inspired, and the community she faithfully served. Willard passed away in 1993, joining the wife he loved. Together, they left behind a legacy of faith, devotion, and quiet service that remains a treasured part of Tuttle's history.
From a young girl writing about her family, hobbies, and dreams to a devoted wife, mother, teacher, and community member, Merilyn Henderson Pierce lived a life of purpose and service. Her story, preserved in her own words and in the memories of those who knew her, remains a cherished part of Tuttle's history.
