Roxie Horne Merrill passed away January 14, 2019 at St. Catherine's Laboure Manor in Jacksonville. She was 97. Mrs. Merrill was active in civic affairs in Jacksonville and Miami, where her late husband's family operated shipyards. She was predeceased by her husband, James Campbell "Jabbo" Merrill; her son, James Campbell Merrill Jr.; and two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Patricia) Barnes and Mrs. Robert (Molly) Toombs.
She is survived by a sister, Mrs. William E. (Barbara) Arnold of Jacksonville; two daughters, Mrs. Fred (Roxanna) Seely of Jacksonville and Mrs. William (Winky) Fowler of Atlanta; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She was born in Bryan, Texas on March 2, 1921, where her father, Chalmers Duke Horne, was serving in the United States Cavalry. The family moved to Jacksonville in the 1930s and Mr. Horne established several businesses.
She served as president of the Junior League of Jacksonville, co-chaired the Symphony Ball and was an member of the St. Vincent's Foundation board. She had an active role in the Jacksonville Historical Society's establishing the Merrill House.
In addition to her volunteer work, she was a co-owner of several retail businesses include the Pappagallo Shop and The Added Touch. She was a member of Timuquana Country Club, The Florida Yacht Club, and the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 18, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 4028 Oxford Ave., Jacksonville, Florida with Rev. Thomas Murray presiding. A private burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to the St. Vincent's Foundation in Mrs. Merrill's name.
HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 Edgewood Avenue South, is serving the family.
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