Delores Mary Merritt passed away on November 15, 2021 peacefully in her sleep.  She lived 94 blessful beautiful years.                                                                                                                 

She is preceded in death by her husband Harold Merritt and two daughters Pamela Tanner Bennett and Candace Gambrell, one brother Albert Everett Jr., and her parents Albert and Grace Everett.

Delores was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and later met her husband Harold who was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base.  After only two months of courtship, they were married.  It wasn’t until later in life did Harold realize she had lied to him about her age when they married.  She was the love of his life – no matter what her age.  They later moved to Erie, Pennsylvania where Harold was from for many years where they raised their two girls, and then later moved back permanently to the Coast.  They were married for 49 years before Harold passed.

Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and so much more to everyone who knew her.  To know her was to love her.  She never met a stranger.  She was the Executive Director of the American Red Cross for many years until she retired to spend time with her family. She loved traveling, cross-stitching, and enjoyed cooking for her friends and family.   She would always send out banana nut bread by the dozens and never forgot anyone’s birthday.  If you knew her, I’m sure you received a Hallmark card at some point in your lifetime.  She was a spiritual woman who never missed church unless she was sick.  She was an active member of Eastlawn United Methodist Church of Pascagoula before moving to Oxford, MS where she later joined St. Andrews Methodist Church.

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  There’s no denying that.  Growing up, her grandchildren spent many nights with her and traveled on many trips.  She is survived by her many adored grandchildren Madison Paul (Teresa) Tanner, Christie (Keith) Watson, Danielle Fryer, John Fryer, Ellen Gambrell, and Adam (Shannon) Gambrell.  Great grandchildren Andrew & Matthew Tanner, Brittany, Garrett & Grant Watson, Devin Weaver, Gracie Burton, and Aydin Fryer.  Great-great grandchildren Gavin Watson, and Gavin Pelletier. She is also survived by two son-in-laws, Robert Bennett and Robert Gambrell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eastlawn United Methodist Church (Pascagoula, MS), Jackson County Animal Shelter (Gautier, MS) or your local chapter of the American Red Cross.

Visitation will be 10-11am Saturday, November 20, 2021 at O’Bryant O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula, MS with a service following at 11am.  A private ceremony for the family will be held at graveside at Jackson County Memorial Park. 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.