Carolynne Virginia Merritt was born on June 20, 1962 in Williamsburg, Virginia; she departed this life suddenly into eternal rest on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at the age of 56 in Williamsburg, Virginia where she resided.
Preceding her in death was her father, Paul Daniel Merritt, Sr. and her brother Nathan Randall Merritt. Carolynne received the Lord and was baptized at New Zion Baptist Church at the age of seven.
Forever and lovingly remembered, Carolynne is survived by her mother, Lottie V. Merritt-Lewis, and stepfather James Daniel Lewis (PaPa). Under the Merritt union, Carolynne was the fifth child of seven and leaves five siblings: Deborah and husband Michael Ham, Deacon Paul and wife Deaconess Cheryl Merritt, Reverend Jane and husband Deacon Maxwell Rolle, Jerome (Porsha Merrit), and Gloria and husband Michael Robertson. Carolynne gained additional siblings through the Lewis union: Armelia Bell, Vernita and husband Vernon Ellis, and Daniel Lewis and wife Paula; seven nieces and nephews, Ivory Merritt, Lauren Merritt, David Allen Merritt, Raniece Copp, Brandon Merritt, Michaela Merritt, and Isaiah Merritt; and seven great-nieces and nephews, Jeremiah, Cameron, Alaysia, Josiah, Joshua, David Jr., and Zayden; along with a host of many additional relatives and friends.
A 1980 graduate of Lafayette High School, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hampton Institute (University) in 1984 and obtained a Master’s Degree in Early Education and Elementary Grades 1-6/ Middle School in 1989 from HU also. She then taught elementary education in the Newport News Public Schools for a few years. Carolynne relocated to Baltimore, Maryland in 1997 initially teaching there for one year; however, she later taught approximately 12 years at Prince George’s County until retirement on disability. Carolynne loved teaching and would often take children home, tutored them and encouraged her students to be excited about learning and to always do their best.
The family will hold a visitation on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory; 3785 Strawberry Plains, Road, Williasmburg, VA 23185. Both the funeral service and interment will be held respectively at 1:00pm, Saturday, November 17, 2018 at New Zion Baptist Church (NZBC), 3991 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 officiated by Dr. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr., Pastor. Following the interment a repast will be provided and the family will greet friends in the Fellowship Hall of NZBC.
