Merilyn Morrison Lang

Merilyn Morrison Lang died Tuesday, March 27, 2018. She was a Mom and a Grammy, a sweetheart and a friend, a wonderful cook, a grower of beautiful flowers, and, to her core, a nurse. She had a strong Catholic faith and loved her family dearly. She had beauty and grace, an infectious laugh, and a terrific sense of humor.

Merilyn was born February 17, 1945, the oldest daughter of Michael and Mary Johnson. She grew up in Newton Falls, Ohio, and graduated from Newton Falls High School in 1963. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Kent State, University. Merilyn was a loving and supportive mother to her daughters, Denise Morrison Kanir (Greensboro, N.C.) and Lori Morrison Sickelbaugh (Newberry, S.C.), and she adored her sons-in-law Edward Kanir and Brian Sickelbaugh. But the lights of her life were her four granddaughters: Erica Sickelbaugh, Emily Sickelbaugh, Elizabeth Sickelbaugh, and Mary Lynne Kanir. She also leaves behind a special love, Dwight Saintsing, who brought her smile back 13 years ago.

Merilyn loved being in the sunshine with a good book in her hand. She always enjoyed going to concerts and outdoor events with music and dancing. Most of all, she cherished time at the beach.

Merilyn was a much-respected Registered Nurse, and highly regarded in her field of Long-term Care. Before retiring in 2015, she served as Director of Nursing for Friends Homes at Guilford, Greensboro, N.C. She was instrumental in designing the new nursing facility. She had a special place in her heart for working with Friends Homes’ Memory Care Unit. Her coworkers and friends were like a second family, and she took great pride in the work they did together.

Merilyn was committed to nursing education, and mentored many along their career paths. She worked with several local schools including Western Guilford High School, Guilford Technical Community College, and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to bring students to the Friends Homes campus to further their education in long-term care. She served as a preceptor and was consulted on long-term care curriculum for UNCG and GTCC. Merilyn also had a special relationship with The Arc of Greensboro, Inc., an organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program she championed at Friends Homes was dedicated to developing vocational skills.

In addition to her parents, Merilyn was preceded in death by her wonderful husband Lowell Lang.

Merilyn’s family will receive friends Monday, April 9, 6-8 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:30 at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 10, 11a.m., at St. Pius the Tenth Catholic Church, 2210 North Elm Street. After a reception at the church, burial will take place at Gilmore Memorial Park, Julian, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Merilyn’s memory to The Arc of Greensboro, 14-B Oak Branch Dr., Greensboro, N.C., 27407.