Mrs. Mary Ann Merritt, wife of the late Newman R. Merritt, passed away Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at the home of her daughter.
Born in May 1930, Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of Chincoteague Island and the daughter of the late John Milton Jones and the late Madeline Gordy Jones. She is survived by her daughters, Patti Ann Merritt and Jane Merritt Daisey; a granddaughter, Sara L. Daisey; and a family friend who became like a son to her, Walter Ladish; nieces Linda Judge and Joan Murden and nephews Fred, Royce, Jeffrey, and Daryl Jones, and Rick Matthews.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband, brother Fred Jones (Doris), sister Erma McAllen (Dick), sister-in-law Blanche Matthews, brothers-in-law Paul Merritt (Helen), Carl Merritt (Elizabeth), four nephews, Greg Merritt, Calvin Matthews, Johnny Matthews, and J. F. McAllen.
Mary Ann graduated from Chincoteague High School and Goldey Business School. She and Newman married in 1949 and they shared a happy life together for 64 years until his death. She was a homemaker, lovingly caring for her husband, daughters, and granddaughter. When her children were older, she worked for several years at the Bank of Chincoteague. She was a member of Union Baptist Church on the island.
An avid reader her entire life, she also enjoyed yard work and gardening, loved decorating her home, and always made it a welcoming, comforting, and cozy shelter for the family. She was devoted to them all until the very end.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2 p.m., at Salyer Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to Chincoteague Island Library, 4077 Main St, Chincoteague, VA 23336
We wish to thank hospice (especially her nurse, Jessica), her neighbor, Bill, her former son-in-law, Cliff, and friends and companions, Leslie and Katherine, for all the help and support they gave.
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home Inc, Chincoteague. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
