January 2, 2021, 93, Goldsboro

Bernice Harrell Merritt, 93, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021 at Westfield Rehabilitation and Health Center in Sanford.

Born in Greene County, North Carolina on September 20, 1927, Bernice was one of eight children born to the late Augustus and Martha Harrell.

Bernice poured her life into her family. Her “life-value” was … “Family Is Everything!” She dedicated her life as a wife, mother, grandmother and sister to loving and caring for her family; especially caring for the very special gift her down-syndrome daughter, June, for 54 years.

Bernice also gave her life in hospitality to her Faith-Family. For years she fed, supported and opened her home, to evangelists and missionaries from all over the United States and world; even as far away as Scotland.

Her most cherished encouragement and advice was always … “God is Faithful and He Never Leaves Us.”

Bernice is survived by her daughters, Mardie Sauls and husband John, Kate Merritt and Robin Merritt; sister, Virginia Dare Harrell; brothers, Don Harrell and Bobby Harrell and wife Ann; grandchildren, John Sauls III and wife Caroline, Michele Beal and husband Greg, Tracy Whitfield and husband Mark, Ashlee Williams, Michael Newton, Sierra Malpass and fiancé Hunter Langston; great-grandchildren, Taylor Whitfield, Kristen Whitfield, Seth Beal, Alice Williams, Michael Newton, Shaley Newton and Gabriel Sauls; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dewey Merritt; daughter, June Merritt; sons-in-law, Danny Mozingo and Pat Newton; brothers, Carl, Jimmy, Joseph, and Ed Harrell.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in Willow Dale Cemetery with the Rev. John Sauls III and Rev. Mark Whitfield officiating. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the community ministry she benefited from for many years, Meals on Wheels, WAGES, 601 Royall Avenue, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome