Catherine Findley Merritt

Catherine Findley Merritt was born on February 27, 1924 in Pickens, South Carolina, the daughter of William Elbert and Essie Earle Findley. She was always proud of her Pickens heritage and loved to tell the story of riding her horse down Main Street in Pickens as a young girl. She was predeceased by her brothers, Earle Findley, Fred Findley, Harry Findley and a sister, Julia Findley.

Catherine attended Winthrop College in the class of 1945. She met the love of her life, William Richard Merritt (Bill), they married after a three month’s courtship and celebrated 76 years of marriage. They had two children Lib Ann Harrison (Marvin) and Dickie Merritt (Susan). They had three grandchildren, Catherine Bladon Culler (Hamp), Richard Bladon, and Findley Merritt Strange (Robert) and four great grandchildren, Hampton Culler, Mary Grace Culler, Elizabeth Culler, and Bradford Merritt Strange. In addition, they had two step grandchildren Paige Cason Ogburn (Mike)and Thomas Cason.

Catherine and Bill were charter members of Trinity United Methodist Church (now Open Hearts UMC) where they were both actively involved. Catherine was president of the David Reese class, taught in the primary department, and was a circle leader several times. She was also involved in the Greenville community as a member of the Augusta Road Community Club, the Clarice Wilson Garden Club, the Magnolia Garden Club, the Greenville Women’s Club and the Wednesday Book Club. She did volunteer work at the Greenville Hospital and served as the state chairman for the Reach to Recovery Program for the American Cancer Society. She also did substitute teaching in the Greenville School System. Until her eyesight failed, she loved reading, even reading the dictionary to improve her vocabulary, and was a competitive bridge player. She was an avid golfer and she and Bill spent many happy times at their house on Fripp Island playing golf almost every day.

Catherine and Bill moved to the Cascades Retirement Community in 2018 and developed many close friendships there. After Bill’s death in 2020, Catherine continued to live independently until a fall required that she have assistance. Her dedicated caregivers through Angel Heart Caregiver Service, LLC allowed her to enjoy her latter years at Cascades.

A service will be held on February 27, 2026 at 2:00 at Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 with burial after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Open Hearts UMC – Organ Fund, 2703 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC, 29605 or to the charity of your choice.