Juanita Elizabeth Merrill passed to glory October 6, 2018 after her battle with breast cancer in Mobile, Alabama. Juanita was born in Robertsdale, Alabama on August 16, 1941 to Narvie and Pearl Poole Gates. She was preceded in death by her husband George Merrill and siblings Erlene Tuberville and Ruth Pugh. She is survived by Rosie Lea Roberts.
She had multiple jobs beginning with the C&P Phone Co. in Oxon Hills, Maryland and then spent several years working at the Clarke County Courthouse (Alabama), and also supported her late husband in field offices as they traveled the states working for different electrical companies throughout the years until retirement. She spoke often of her time working at the Courthouse with the Sheriff and his deputies and treasured those memories.
Juanita was the matriarch of her family and truly loved by all. She was a strong, independent, and feisty southern lady with a gentle heart. She was proud of her children that she and George (deceased), husband of 40 years, raised. William “Billy” Bissette (Amy), Sherry Winkler, Kimberly “Kim” Turk (John), and George “Joey” Merrill, Jr. They have twelve grandchildren, Derek Bissette, Jessica Silva (Stephen), Ashley Igo (Mike), Marc Danahey, Tyler Winkler, Damian Turk (Jennifer), Jennifer Clarke (Jay), Tara Atkinson (Travis), David Hill (Lea), Benjamin Hill, Georgia Ann Merrill, and Adam Merrill. They have eight great grandchildren, Trevor Bissette, Colby Bissette, Jackson Hill, Aubree Atkinson, Wynnston Turk, Hayes Turk, Cameron Igo, and Jordan Igo.
She was a dedicated member of her church community at Woodridge Baptist Church where she showered her love to her fellow church members, received much love in return, and developed many special relationships and close friends.
Visitation is Tuesday, October 9, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street. The service will be at Woodridge Baptist Church, 2700 Schillinger Rd. S. Mobile, Alabama on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 with visitation from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. and funeral at 1:00 p.m. Burial to follow at Pine Crest West Cemetery located on Snow Road.
