Merida Holcomb Friend

Merida Holcomb Friend, 89, went home to be with the Lord on August 3, 2021, after a brief illness. She was born in Widen, WV on April 3, 1932 to Herbert Stanton Holcomb and Gertrude Dell Hamrick Holcomb. Merida graduated from Widen High School in 1949. During her senior year, she worked at the soda fountain in the Elk River Coal and Lumber Company Store. It was there she met her husband, Arthur R. Friend. They were married at his home in Ivydale, WV in 1951. The couple moved to Williamsburg, VA in 1958 so Art could go to college. They remained together until Art’s death in 2007. In 1961, Merida attended Riverside Hospital’s first Nurse’s Training School In Newport News, VA. She graduated first in her class as a Licensed Practical Nurse. That same year, Merida learned she was pregnant. After the birth of her daughter in 1962, Merida chose to pursue homemaking as her career instead of nursing. Her Thanksgiving and Christmas meals became family traditions. Memories of these special times together will live forever in our hearts. Throughout her life, Merida enjoyed good food, family time, and Bible studies. But her greatest joy came from serving the Lord and sharing His love with others. Indeed, Merida desired to be a blessing every day of her life. And whether that blessing took the form of a smile at a stranger, an intercessory prayer, or a gift of her time, Merida always gave the praise back to Jesus. She is survived by her loving daughter, Susan Friend and husband, Tommy Thomas of Williamsburg, VA; her sisters, Doris Patton and husband David of Anthem, AZ; Ruby Lee Holcomb of Hampton, VA; her sister-in-law, Rose Moore and husband Frank of Olney, VA; six nieces and nephews, fifteen grand nieces and nephews, several great-grand nieces and nephews, and a multitude of dear friends. Merida was preceded in death by an infant brother, Herbert Stanley Holcomb, her parents, her husband, and her niece, Rhonda Rapp Flowers. A celebration of Merida’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 9 at Williamsburg Assembly of God, 5232 Longhill Road in Williamsburg. The service will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/125632257490458 for those who wish to view remotely.