Margery Randolph Daniel Merrick

Margery Daniel Merrick
Gordonsville - Mrs. Margery Randolph Daniel Merrick
Born in New York City on November 2, 1924 daughter to Margery Durant (daughter of W.C. Durant, founder of General Motors and Chevrolet) and Robert W. Daniel (a Virginia State Senator). Her parents purchased and restored Brandon Plantation on the James River where she spent most of her childhood and became an accomplished equestrian and marksman. She attended St. Catherine's School in Richmond and there made lifelong friendships with four others to become known as The Filthy Five. Heartfelt hugs sent to lifelong friend Kathleen "Kiki" Stringfellow. In 1942, she graduated from The Foxcroft School in Middleburg. There she advanced her artistic skills in watercolor and colored pencils and developed an intense interest in Social Services as World War II engulfed everyone's daily life.
After graduation she spent the next 4 years working with the Red Cross as a Nurse's Aid at McGuire Hospital and the U.S. Army and Air Force Base in Richmond. Following in her Mother's steps, she took flying lessons and became an accomplished pilot in small single engine airplanes.
Her calling to volunteer with the Red Cross led to the Love of Her Life and Husband, Thomas B. Merrick III or to her, he was always Tommy. Tom Merrick had just returned from years of service in WWII and they met during a Red Cross Mixer where it was love at first sight. They married in 1946 and after Tom graduated from UVA, they purchased the farm, The Meadows, in 1948 and started their life and family of five children. Tommy passed away in 1994, her husband of 48 years. Also preceding her in death was daughter, Margery "Midge" Merrick, sister, Edwina Sanger and brother, Robert W. Daniel Jr.
In 1962, Margery was in a horseback riding accident and suffered a severe brain injury. After years of determination, true grit and beating all odds… she recovered and taught herself to use her left hand so she could continue to paint landscapes and her favorite dog portraits and live a full and wonderful life for more than 50 years!
She is survived by four sons and their wives; Thomas "Tim" and Judy, Gordon and Sandi, Daniel "Duke" and Sharon, Randolph "Randy" and Caroline "Sis" Merrick. Grandsons; Will, John, Coles, Thomas Merrick and Francis Gehman.
The Family gives Loving Thanks to her Companion and "Soul Sister" Sarah E. Murphy. Special Thanks to Caregivers Louise Frye and Mary Green and the Devoted Care of Legacy Hospice and Nurse Mary English.
Interment held at Glendower's Christ Episcopal Church in Keene Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 10 a.m. The Memorial Service to follow at Grace Episcopal Church, Keswick at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life to immediately follow at the Keswick Hunt Club in Keswick.
In lieu of flowers, the Family with great appreciation request memorial contributions be made to the Orange Free Clinic, P.O.Box 441, Orange VA 22960.
Preddy Funeral Home of Gordonsville is in charge of arrangements.