Josiah Merrell

Josiah B. Merrell VIRGINIA BEACH - Josiah Benjamin Merrell, 24, died unexpectedly Nov. 10, 2009. His young and handsome face will be sadly missed by his family, friends and co-workers. He will be remembered always for his loving nature, his passion for justice and his concern for his friends and family, especially his younger brother "Chris." Josiah was born Oct. 18, 1985, in New Orleans at 6 ½ months, weighing a mere 2 pounds, 14 ounces. He overcame great obstacles to grow into a fine and bright young man - son, grandson, nephew and cousin - loved by all. His family moved to Fort Lewis, Wash., and then back to the Tidewater area, their hometown. Josiah grew up in the Salem Lakes section of Virginia Beach. He was accepted in the first public high school academy in Virginia Beach, the Technology Academy at Landsdown High School. He entered a Technology Student Association competition and won first place at the state level and third place in the national competition. Upon graduation, he was accepted into a student/work co-op program with Northrop Grumman in Newport News, through which he attended and graduated from Tidewater Community College while working for Grumman. He was assigned to their aircraft carrier design department while pursuing his studies at night at Old Dominion University. After a break from school, he recently took up his co-op studies again through Norfolk Grumman to continue on his goal to become an engineer. He worked hard and was most conscientious in his job. At the time of his death he was sharing an apartment in Newport News with a co-worker. His memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him, especially his Mom and Dad, Laura H. Merrell and Joseph G. Merrell, and his younger brother Christopher, who was the "apple of his eye." He also is survived by his grandmother, Betty B. Kennedy, better known as "Tina" and his stepgrandfather, William S. Kennedy of Virginia Beach, and known as "Grampa Bill"; and his grandmother, Lorretta Salazar of Norfolk. His great-aunt and great-uncle, many aunts, uncles, and cousins - the Baldwins, the Herrmanns, the Kennedys, the Merrells - all loved his bright smile and will always remember his fun-loving ways, especially with his younger relatives. His life will be celebrated Monday, Nov. 16th, at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church at 3 p.m. at 3201 Edinburgh Drive, Virginia Beach. There will be a viewing for family and friends Sunday, Nov. 15, at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, from 4 to 6 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hdoliver.com.