Shirley Ann Merritt

Shirley Ann Merritt, 81, of Waco, passed away peacefully at a local nursing home Saturday, April 28, 2018. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 2, in the Chapel at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, in the Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Shirley was born May 29, 1936 in Waco. She attended Waco High School. She married Royce Merritt on February 12, 1952. They had two children, Jerry Merritt and Sherry Merritt McCartney. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband and daughter. She attended Lakewood Christian Church. She was a beautiful and vivacious woman with a passion for life. Shirley enjoyed dancing and was good at it even at 81. Her hobbies also included singing, gardening, and following Kim Mulkey and the Lady Bears basketball team. Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Kelly Merritt, of Hearne, and by granddaughter Lacy Avant and husband, Stacy, and their daughters, Noelle, Vivienne, and Savannah, all of Spring. She also leaves behind her brother, Bill Erck and wife Karen, of Waco; step granddaughters Kaycee and Danielle Rogers, of College Station; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving Shirley are former son-in-law, Ron McCartney, and special friend, Bob Meyers, of Mexia. Pallbearers will be Wayne Moton, Bobby Merritt, Ralph Getman, James David Erck, Bob Meyers, and Brian Gregory. The family wishes to thank the staff at Royal Manor II and Nicole with Interim Hospice for the care they provided for Shirley. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Lakewood Christian Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.