Julia Annette Merritt Fitzgerald

Julia Annette Merritt Fitzgerald, 70, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, September 22, 2016. She was born on May 28, 1946, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dennis Elton Merritt and Mary Frances Gibson Merritt, who both preceded her in death. Also preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Merritt Clinton. Annette is survived by her husband of 46 years, Sidney Smith Fitzgerald. She is also survived by her son, Ryan Merritt Fitzgerald and daughter-in-law Brenna Fitzgerald of Sherwood, Arkansas and her daughter, Cory Fitzgerald Love and son-in-law David Love of South Hill, Virginia; her grandchildren, Cade and Jude Fitzgerald of Sherwood, Arkansas and Micah, Shana, and Nathan Love of South Hill, Virginia. Also survived by her sister, Carole Hoofman of North Little Rock and aunt, Mrs. Jean Gibson Harvey of Beebe, as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Annette graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1964, from Arkansas State Teachers' College with a Bachelors in Education and from University of Central Arkansas with a Master's Degree in Library Science. Her teaching career was spent in the North Little Rock School District as a librarian. After retiring from teaching she worked for Phillips Lighting. After retirement, she enjoyed researching genealogy, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Annette was a long-time member of the North Little Rock Christadelphian Ecclesia. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 25, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. A private burial will be held at Old Austin Cemetery in Ward. Memorials should be directed to CARTI Foundation Little Rock, P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, Ark. 72215. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.