July 16, 2021, 94, Goldsboro –
Lois Sophronia Harrell Merritt (94) passed peacefully, surrounded by her family, early Friday morning, July 16th at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro, NC. She was born in Mt. Olive on April 3, 1927 to the late Melvin Crumpler Harrell and Pauline Nunn Harrell.
She married the love of her life, Robert Wayland Merritt, on July 25, 1945. They shared 61 wonderful years together before his passing in 2007. They exchanged their vows in the original sanctuary of Providence United Methodist Church in Goldsboro where she was a member for 76 years and served for many years as Financial Secretary. She was active on many church committees and projects and was a member of the Samaritan Sunday School Class and Providence Friends United.
Lois was a full time wife, homemaker and mother, a role that she took very seriously. She loved being home and enjoyed all of the chores and responsibilities associated with it. In addition, she and Wayland built two 20,000 bird poultry houses on the farm behind their home which she managed for about 15 years before their retirement.
A visitation will be held at 9:00 AM followed by the celebration of her life at 10:00 AM on Friday, July 23, 2021 at Providence United Methodist Church in Goldsboro with Rudy Peedin and the Reverend Bryan Sexton officiating. Interment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park in Goldsboro.
She is survived by a son, Robert Wayland (Wade) Merritt, Jr and wife Martha of Newport; a daughter, Laveita and husband Ben Brinson of Louisburg; a daughter-in-law and son-in-law, Beverly and Tim Clifton of Turkey, NC; a sister-in-law, Frances Taylor of Newton Grove; grandsons, Geoffrey (wife, Jennifer) Merritt of Mount Olive; David (wife, Amanda) Merritt of Greensboro; Ronnie Wells of Meridian, MS; Kemp Brinson (wife, Sara Catherine Barnes) of Winter Haven, FL; and Adam Brinson (wife, Sara) of Pittsboro; great grandchildren, Hunter Merritt, Anna Grace Merritt, Alex Sarantos, Kemp Merritt, Cara Brinson, Buck Brinson, Levon Brinson, Sorrel Brinson, Josh Wells, Cholby Wells and Lilly Fortson; nieces, Myra Markham and Judy Cox; nephews, Russ Taylor and Brian Beam.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Lois was preceded in death by her only sister Barbara Beam and brother-in-law Gene Beam of Huntsville, AL; a grandson Gabe Wells of Meridian, MS; and a nephew Mel Beam of Fairhope, AL.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Providence United Methodist Church, 202 Providence Church Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530 or Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 107 Handley Park Ct, Goldsboro, NC 27534.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Merritt family and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.
