Verdie L. Merritt

The daughter of the late Othell Chason and Farris Harlow, Verdie was born in Quincy, FL, but grew up in Hosford, FL with her four sisters and one brother (God blessing him putting up with that many women). He had his own built in security squad growing up.

Verdie loved her family dearly and enjoyed anything to do with spending time on the water and fishing or just sitting and listening to the waves at the beach. Her favorite place in the whole world was her place at the Suwannee River with her family. Many happy memories were made there with friends and family over the years. She could never resist cutting the rug to a little Elvis.

Verdie was preceded in death by husband, Vernon Merritt; her parents, Othell Chason and Farris Harlow; two sons, Jeff and Mike Swain; her sister, Jean McKissack and brother, Bobby Joe Chason.

Verdie is survived by her children: daughters, Lisa (Michael) Bennett of Tallahassee, Malissa (Hugh) Reams of Asheville, NC and son, Randy Swain Valdosta, GA; sisters, Sylvia Deason, Carolyn Rupert and Betty (Ronnie) McDaniel, all of Tallahassee. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 1 PM on Thursday, August, 6th, 2026 at Culley’s Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.