Merle A. Hunter

“A life well lived, a race well run, and a soul now resting safely in the arms of the Lord.”

With grateful hearts and unwavering faith, we celebrate the beautiful life of our beloved Merle Adassa Russell, who peacefully answered her Master’s call on July 26, 2026, in Spring Valley, New York, at the age of 87.

Born on October 5, 1938, in Kingston, Jamaica, Merle was the beloved daughter of the late Ruby and Lester Russell. She was a woman of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and unconditional love whose greatest joy was caring for her family and serving others.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory of her devoted daughter, Dorrette Creighton; her beloved sons, Derrick Creighton and Dennis Creighton; her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her loving brother; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family; and many dear friends whose lives were blessed by her kindness.

Merle believed in honest work, strong faith, and putting family first. She faithfully served for many years at Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, New York, where she was respected for her dedication and compassion. Through hard work, sacrifice, and God’s grace, she built a legacy of love that continues to bless generations.

To know Merle was to know kindness. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, good food, and an open door. She was affectionately known as “Grams”, not only by her family but by many whose lives she touched. She welcomed everyone with a caring heart, wise counsel, and a comforting smile, making each person feel like family.

A devoted woman of faith, Merle was a faithful member of the United Church of Spring Valley, where she served with the Women’s Guild and lovingly remembered the sick and shut-ins through cards, prayers, and words of encouragement. Her quiet acts of kindness reflected the love of Christ and touched countless lives.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Clarkstown Medical Associates in New City, New York, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Montvale, New Jersey, for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Merle’s memory.

Though our hearts are saddened, we thank God for the blessing of Merle’s life. Her faith, strength, generosity, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sleep on, our precious Grams. Your work on earth is done, your crown has been won, and your memory will forever be a blessing. Until we meet again, may you rest in perfect peace.

“The risk of love is loss, and the price of loss is grief, but the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love.”

— Hillary Stanton

Services will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc., 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956, with visitation on August 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the funeral service from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A livestream will be available through Michael J. Higgins Funeral Service Inc. at 321 S Main St, New City, New York 10956, on August 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26074113360624.