James Rhea Merritt

JAMES RHEA MERRITT November 28, 1925 – March 13, 2016 Pastor James Rhea Merritt was born on November 28, 1925 to Matthew and Essie Merritt in San Diego, California. He was the youngest child of five siblings who all preceded him in death – one sister Laverne, and three brothers, Banett, Matthew, and Henry. He was married to the late Constance Hill Merritt and to their union they were blessed with three children, Peter James Merritt (deceased), Shirley Merritt, and Cynthia Merritt Reynolds. He served his country in World War II in the U. S. Army. Over the years, he was employed by the U. S. Postal Service and became a successful realtor. After the death of his wife Constance, he made his home in Huntsville, Alabama where he met and married Pastor Lula Hammonds. Both answered the call of God to serve as ordained ministers and educators. They founded the El Shaddai Inner City Ministries and Christian Academy in Birmingham, Alabama. What started as a small home after school program, grew into a thriving academy for at-risk youth. Soon they were known as Uncle Jim and Aunt Lula and children around the area knew that El Shaddai was a safe place where all were welcome to not only learn about reading, writing, and arithmetic, but learn of the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. They were one of the first ministries to build a sanctuary that would easily convert into a gymnasium! This concept of making a church a community center and safe gathering place was eventually repeated in numerous ministries around the country. For many years, Uncle Jim and Aunt Lula nurtured and trained young people who might not have had the best of circumstances in life, but became successful college graduates and wonderful members of the community. Upon retirement, Pastor Merritt continued to remain active in the community. As a noted saxophonist, he often performed for numerous programs and church services. He continued his servant leadership through frequent visitations to the elderly and to encourage and uplift those around him. His strong, yet gentle spirit was a comfort and blessing to everyone he came into contact with. This man of God has left an impact and an imprint on the lives of so many. We praise God for his long life of service and dedication to the cause of Christ. Pastor Merritt leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife Lula, his daughters Shirley and Cynthia, his grandsons Kelvin James Reynolds and Brian Anthony Reynolds of Atlanta, Georgia; his step-sons Edderick Wheeler and family and Melvin Wheeler and family; his sister in law Nannie Hammonds Joiner and family of Huntsville; Bettye Wortham (Robert) and family of Duncanville, Texas; Beatrice Merritt and family of Fresno, California; Nephews Robert Moss (Edna) and family of White Hall, Arkansas; Oliver Moss and family of Inglewood, California; Brother-in-laws John Gibson and family of Danville, IL and Malcolm Hill and family of Chicago, IL. Many others also look forward to being reunited with Pastor/Uncle Jim in Heaven including a host of El Shaddai families, board and church members, and the many friends and acquaintances who were impacted by the life and ministry of Pastor James Merritt. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, c/o Mr. Drayton Nabere, Jr. 135 54th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35212. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.