Merilla Haydock

Merilla Hanson Haydock departed Generations Senior Living Center in Tupelo and joined her Savior and loved ones in Heaven on September 18, 2025. Merilla was born in Belmont, Mississippi, on November 9, 1954, to Murphy Collier and Corene Montgomery Collier. Murphy Collier passed away when Merilla was very young. In 1960, her mother married Rev. Grady Hudson. Merilla delighted in being Grady's "baby girl" and loved being a little sister to Grady's children. She graduated from Tishomingo High School, Northeast Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in education. Merilla taught and loved students with disabilities for 25 years, spending the bulk of her career at Mooreville High School. A Teacher of the Year recipient, she was loved and respected by her colleagues as well as countless students and their families. During her teaching career, she also contracted with the Mississippi State Department of Education as a teacher trainer for the Mississippi Occupational Diploma.

Having become a Christian at a young age, Merilla was a woman of strong faith and a longtime member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tupelo. For many years, she was an active participant and leader in The Walk to Emmaus ministry. Merilla had a kind and generous spirit and was always willing to help wherever she was needed. Her bubbly personality and quick wit drew others to her. Merilla touched many lives and made each of them better. She will forever be missed by those who were blessed to know her.

Merilla fulfilled many roles in life, including devoted wife, mother and "Mimi." She was the widow of John Haydock, whom she married in 2008. She adored her "Johnny Boy." She was mom to two sons, Jake Hanson (Misty), of Mantachie, and Rob Hanson, of Harrisburg, Missouri; and stepmom to John's daughter, Lisa Haydock Hunt (Hugh), of Keller, Texas. Merilla was "Mimi" to grandchildren, Andrea and Ethan Yielding, daughter and son of Jake and Misty Hanson; Annelisa Ramsey, Barton Ramsey (Bethany), Loryn Hunt and Haylee Hunt; and great-grandchildren, Naomi, Noah and Meriam Ramsey, Anderson Harvey, Haylala Priest, and Gideon Hunt West.

Merilla is also survived by her stepsister, Charlene Riggs of Tuscumbia, Alabama; several cousins, nieces, and nephews; countless friends; her self-proclaimed "sister of the heart," Audrey Roby (Steve), of Saltillo, along with Beth Anne Roby Austill and Marye Stevens Roby Hayes, who affectionately called her, "Mama-rilla," and her sons' father, Doug Hanson, of Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents and husband, Merilla was preceded in death by her beloved stepfather, Rev. Grady Hudson, stepdaughter, Lori Ramsey Willette; and stepbrothers Harold Hudson, Don Hudson, and Kenneth Hudson.

Celebration of Life and burial services were held on September 22, 2025, at her family church, Old Bethel United Methodist Church, in Golden. The family greatly appreciates the staff of Traceway Manor, Mitchell Center, and Generations Senior Living for the loving care they provided over the years, as well as Holland Funeral Directors for their kind, professional service.