Linda Gale Merritt

Linda Gale Merritt, née Reeder, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 27, 1943, in Mullins, South Carolina, to Henry and Ileen Reeder.

On August 21, 1965, Linda married John “Dink” Merritt, her devoted husband and lifelong companion. Together they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage, building a Christ-centered home and raising their daughters, Angela and Tonya. Linda and Dink faithfully walked through life side by side until his passing in 2019. After several months of declining health, Linda has now joyfully reunited with him in her heavenly home.

Linda was a godly woman whose life reflected her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. She clung to His promises and served Him with joy and steadfast devotion. Even as her health declined, she was often heard saying, “I love my Jesus.” At Red Bank Baptist Church, she served as a nursery worker, Sunday school teacher, and GA leader when her daughters were younger. Most recently, she was a member of South Lexington Baptist Church, where she treasured fellowship through the Stitchers group.

Throughout her working years, Linda served at the Department of Transportation, BellSouth, and First Baptist Church of Columbia. While she faithfully fulfilled many roles throughout her life, her most treasured title was “Nana.” She adored her granddaughters, loved them deeply, and prayed over them faithfully.

Linda is survived by her daughters, Angela Merritt-Fuentes and Tonya Merritt Williamson; her sons-in-law, Victor Manuel Fuentes and John David Williamson; her granddaughters, Victoria Merritt Fuentes and Hailey Elizabeth Williamson; her sister-in-law, Shadie Merritt (Thompson); and extended family. Her legacy of faith, love, prayer, and quiet strength will continue to live on through each of them.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 15, at 2:00 p.m. at South Lexington Baptist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. Interment will immediately follow at Red Bank Baptist Church.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going.” John 14:1–4