She was born at Henagar, Alabama, but had lived in the Chattanooga area most of her adult life.
Edith was a member of Red Bank United Methodist Church since June of 1951, the Shaw Murray Sunday School Class, the Chancel Choir and Young at Heart Group. She had worked in the children’s division, served as a youth counselor and a member of several committees of the church. Edith was a Den Mother in the Scout program for 6 years and was the church secretary from 1963 until 1972.
She was very active in the PTA of Alpine Crest Elementary, Red Bank Junior High and Red Bank High School, and the sports booster club at both Red Bank schools. Edith was also involved in Dixie Youth Baseball at Skipper Fairbanks Field in Red Bank.
In her later years she served as a Red Cross Volunteer at CHI Memorial at Hixson (Northpark)
She was preceded in death by her first husband of 46 years, Joe E. Merritt and her mother, Laura Bell Cordell.
Edith is survived by her husband, Jerome Emerson; her two sons, Robert “Bob” Merritt of Nashville and Ronald (Stephanie) Merritt of Soddy Daisy; two grandsons, Rob (Tonia) Merritt of Hendersonville, TN and Josh Merritt of Hixson; granddaughter, Stephanie Carnes of Chattanooga; three great grandsons, Joe Merritt and Travis Sands both of Hendersonville, and Brandon Carnes of Chattanooga; great granddaughter, Nashaya Marie Lykes of Chattanooga; two step-daughters, Denise Borland of Lilburn, GA and Kimberly Emerson of Soddy Daisy; five step-grandchildren, six step great grandchildren, and a very special friend Bonnie Merritt of Portland, TN.
The family respectfully request that "social distancing", wearing masks, and all CDC measures be followed at the church.
A Memorial Service honoring the life of Edith will be held at 5 pm on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Red Bank United Methodist Church, 3800 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank, TN 37415 with her Pastors paying tribute to her legacy.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com for the Merritt – Emerson family.
