Dorothy Ann Merchant

Dorothy Ann Merchant departed this life on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Mrs. Dorothy Merchant affectionately known as “Big Baby” was born 9th child of ten October 23, 1935, in Albion, Michigan to Fred and Mamie (Stephens) Fields.

Dorothy attended church from an early age and was a member of Lewis Chapel AME. She attended school throughout 10th grade at Washington Gardner. Dorothy was a stay-at-home mom, who cherished taking care her children prior to seeking employment. Dorothy was eventually employed at Cedar Knolls nursing home and Starr Commonwealth. Mrs. Merchant dedicated many years to Albion College; working in the kitchen, she often welcomed many of college students into her home for holidays and Sunday meals. Dorothy later retired from Albion College Athletic Department in year 2000.

Dorothy often enjoyed traveling, visiting multiple family members around the world. In her young adult years Big Baby loved going on family fishing trips. Dorothy was an enthusiastic bingo player, oh and don’t forget to play her numbers. She was an avid cook and baker known for her dressing, macaroni & cheese, and lemon meringue cakes and pies (to name a few). Big Baby was an expert crocheter, famed for her dolls and afghan blankets. Dorothy loved her family, she especially loved family gatherings for birthdays and holidays. She was good at giving sound advice and supporting all her family, especially her grandchildren. Big Baby was a jokester, keeping those around her in stitches. In her last days, Dorothy uplifted the other residents and their families at the nursing home. Dorothy is forever known as a “lovely woman” and a beautiful soul.

Dorothy was proceeded in death by her late husband John Henry Merchant Sr., her parents Fred and Mamie (Stephens) Fields, nine siblings: Mattie Barlow, Frederick “Fred” Fields, Helen Hall, Johnnie Fields, Samuel “Sammie” Fields, Albert Fields, David Fields, Arthur Fields, and Betty Lee.

She leaves to cherish her legacy and memory: Michael (Laura) Durand Fields, Barbara Ann (Karl) Parker, Sudie Mae (Gregory (D)) Ridley, Sherry Jean Taylor, Beverly Jean (Larry) Davis, John Henry Merchant Jr., Tammy Lynn (Richie) Betts, Diana Lynn (Lowell) Tuggle, and special daughter Teresa Newell. 31-Grandchildren, 46- Great- Grandchildren, 7-Great- Great Grandchildren a host of nieces and nephews, and family and friends..

Homegoing Services will be held on Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 at Grace Temple Church. Family hour will start 10:00 a.m. with Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Ivan Lee. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Albion, MI with her husband, John Henry Merchant Sr.