Violet Edna Robinson Merchant

MERCHANT, Violet Edna Robinson, of Lynchburg, Va., died Saturday, December 6, 2008. She is survived by her husband, Lt. Col. Robert Prescott "Peck" Merchant, U.S. Army (Ret.); a sister, Hazel Smith of Charlotte, N.C.; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her sisters, Mary Hester Long, Lola Price and Leafie Scott, all of Blacksburg. Violet was born in Blacksburg on April 5, 1919, daughter of the late Demaris Buck Robinson and Jacob Lowry Robinson. Violet graduated from Blacksburg High School as president of her senior class in 1937, and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1941. She and "Peck" were married on July 20, 1942, and when possible, she accompanied him as his military career took them to many U.S. and foreign assignments. Violet was an avid bridge player and member of the Lynchburg Duplicate Bridge Club. Memorial contributions may be made to Peakland United Methodist Church, 4434 Boonsboro Rd., Lynchburg, Va. 24503, where services will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Gerde at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.