Obituaries

Gloria G. Merrick

Photo of Gloria G. Merrick
Gloria Gennett Merrick ("GG"), arrived into this world as a bundle of joy to Fred Merrick and Ziporah Essilee Watts Merrick, at their home in McCaskill, Ark., on April 3, 1951, and departed this earthly home on November 5, 2020. She was the 7th child of nine children and was always smart, gifted, and inquisitive. She graduated as an honor student from Blevins High School in Blevins, Ark., and received a Bachelor's Degree in in Education with a major in Family and Consumer Science at Henderson State University. While attending Henderson she became a proud charter member of the Iota Delta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served as the chapter's first president and was affectionately named "Giggles." She went on to receive a Master's Degree in Vocational Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. After receiving her education, she became the first African American Home Economist in Nashville, Ark., serving Howard County. While working in this position, Gloria became popular for her weekly local newspaper article and radio talk show covering various topics on County Home Extension Services. As a firm believer in education, she spent another 44 years as a Family and Consumer Science (FACS) teacher at Hope High School in Hope, Arkansas and at Parker's Chapel in El Dorado, Ark. She was also a foster care parent for 30 years in the Arkansas Foster Care System. The essential role that she played in the development, healing, and success of youth in foster care was remarkable. The number of children in and out of her home is too numerous to count. Without reservation, she believed that every child deserved an opportunity to live in a nurturing, loving, and safe environment, no matter what the cost. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents: Fred and Ziporah Merrick and her siblings Elmer Merrick (Margie), Charles Merrick (Hattie), Shirley Jenkins Merrick, and a very special loving nephew; Jerrold Durand Merrick. She cherished her surviving siblings: Faye Wilburn (RL), Connie Sergeant (Percy), Louise White (Joe), James Merrick (Patsy), and Sadie Mitchell, "Baby Boss" (Benard). Gloria leaves a loving legacy with three, beautiful, adopted daughters: Candice Faye Merrick, Lavette LaShan Renea Merrick, and Ebony Nicole Merrick. She cherished her adorable grandchildren; Chloe Krstalynn Imani Bishop, who lived with her, Isaiah Amir White, Kaleb Armani Pugh, Shakira Alize Harris, and LaCorius Kevon Earley. The service will be streamed VIA Facebook on the Carrigan Memorial Facebook page. Visitation 10 a.m., Saturday, prior to the service. Funeral service, 11 a.m., November 14, 2020, at Haynes Chapel Baptist Church, 300 AR-32, Hope, Ark., 71801. Also, full obit and The guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services

Published November 11, 2020

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