Mrs. Merrill was born on March 25, 1929 to the late Paul S. Hamby Sr. and Evelyn Ora Rhodes. Mrs. Merrill's impressive resume includes: a former President of the Morning Woman's Club, A Past-president of The Local Cancer Society, a member of The Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers, and a member of The Pickens County Historical Society. She, along with her late husband Alvin, co-owned an apple orchard. She enjoyed caning chairs, playing the piano, loved gardening and flowers. She was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church. Her greatest joy was her family, whom she loved with all her heart.
Mrs. Merrill is survived by her daughters: Beverly Merrill Baker (Eddie), of Columbia, SC, and Kathryn Merrill Gilstrap, of Pickens; one grandson: Michael Andrew Baker (Jessica) of Easley; two granddaughters: Gina Baker Reeves, of Columbia, and Jennifer Gilstrap Peery (Elliott) of Charleston, SC; and five great-grandchildren: Katelyn M. Baker, of Easley, Camden G. Baker, of Easley, Ryan Hannah Reeves, of Columbia, Elliott Lebaron Peery Jr., of Charleston, and Baby Girl Peery due October 2021; one sister-in-law: Doris P. Hamby; one brother-in-law: Albert N. Merrill; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Merrill was preceded in death by one brother: Paul Hamby Jr.
Funeral services for Mrs. Merrill will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to AnMed Health Cannon Memorial Hospital. 123 W G Acker Dr, Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
