Merita E. Johnson

She was born on July 27, 1937 in Plant City, Florida to the late Jodie and Julia Eakins.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and going on vacations and cruises with them. She also loved being a part of the family of Northside Baptist Church in Plant City, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jodie and Julia Eakins; her daughter, Cathy Elaine Finley (Lee) of Lakeland, Florida, and her brothers; Larry Joe Eakins and Gerald Lamar Eakins of Plant City, Florida.

She is survived by her daughters; Susan Coresa Layton (Ronnie) of Lakeland, Florida, Julia Denise Parris of Plant City, Florida and Virginia Diane Harrod (Mike) of Plant City, Florida, son; William Alfred (Buddy) Bryant of Durant, Florida, brother; Charles Eakins of Turkey Creek, Florida, sister; Martha Jean Alderman of Plant City, Florida, 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 25, 2020 at Wells Memorial Funeral Home with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Masks are to be worn by all in attendance.