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Heather Merlin Obituary
1971-2009On may 22, 2009, a beautiful, bright light was extinguished much too early. Heather Merlin a beloved mother, daughter, sister and wife, was taken in her youth. Heather brightened and enriched every person she touched throughout her life. Words cannot express how she will be missed by those who knew her in any capacity. Her family, friends and acquantences will all be richer for having known her.
Heather was proud to be the manager of O Bradys on 9th Avenue. She took pride in her work and adored her customers and coworkers. She never forgot a birthday or failed to make everyone feel loved and important.
Heather leaves behind two beautiful daughters Rachel and Lauren Merlin whom she loved immeasurably. Heather was the wife and faithful companion of Gregory Merlin for 23 years, the daughter of Wildon Carter and sister of Kenneth and Kevin Carter. Her mother Barbara had recently preceded her in death. She is also survived by her aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces whom she all loved deeply.
Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 pm Thursday May 28, 2009 at Waters & Hibbert Funeral Home with funeraal services starting at 3:00 pm Thursday.WATERS & HIBBERT FUNERAL HOME is in charge arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Heather Merlin
Pam Woodruff
June 26, 2009
Greg, Rachel and Ashley - I know it is still hard to believe, it is for me, that Heather, your wifr, your friend, your mother, my niece - is no longer with us on this earth. She is missed, but still so very much in our hearts. We always go back and wish - wish I had called more often, written more often, emailed more often but know the love was there! I think of all of you nearly every day and just wish there was something I could do to help you heal. I know that over time, God will take care of that. Trust in each other and you will be fine....my love to you all.....Aunt Pam
Cheryl Raines
June 3, 2009
We just found out about Heather's untimely passing and are still in a state of shock. We met Heather at Beef O'Brady's and she was always so good to us. She always managed to speak to us no matter how much she had going on. You felt like you were in "Cheers" by the way she made you feel. Heather, my heart is heavy that you left this world so early. However, I am grateful for the pleasure to have known you. Godspeed to you and May God comfort your family and friends.
Frankie Perritt
June 2, 2009
Greg: My heart is filled with many things regarding you and Heather & the girls right now. I will be concise and to the point-and say what I feel is most important right now. You,Heather...Miss Vickie...Tony...Jim...your sister(heather)and the rest of your extended family and friends have been the only family I have ever truly known that lived up to the saying..."blood is thicker than water". Close knit...loving...strong...intelligent...extremely focused on the family unit,and the preservation thereof,private-yet friendly...giving...but wise enough to know the difference between charity and enabling...and on my part...knowing the difference between friendship...and drawing the line at ANY TIME necessary in order to protect that which is most sacred:God first,family second,children above all else...and your God given wisdom to discern whatever else remains after that. It may not be appropriate,but I will end with these words. Greg and Heather Merlin,and their two beautiful daughters are a shining light in a very challenged world. I feel blessed to be their friend for so many years. My heart hurts so bad for you brother. It has broken into a million pieces once again...and I hope to speak to you soon once the tide has gone back out and the flotsam and jetsam have been washed away...I love you Greg. I love you Miss Heather. I love you Mom.
June 1, 2009
Our deepest sympathy to Greg and the girls. We are so sorry to hear of Heathers passing. We will miss Heather coming into our office. She was always so happy and full of life when we saw her. She loved her family very much! We always enjoyed visiting with her. She was always the same person everytime we saw her. She will be greatly missed.
Lisa Pulos Ward, Linda Pulos and Anthony Pulos
Rick and Janice Paul
June 1, 2009
We were so saddened to hear of Heather's sudden passing. We will always remember her as the young, smiling, vivacious and caring woman that she was. We feel lucky to have known her. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to all those who loved her. You can be assured she is looking down on you from Heaven.
unknown
May 30, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Sandie Gray
May 30, 2009
You touched my heart from the first moment we met. We formed a special bond that should have lasted forever, we shared so much of our daily lives together when we had time to catch up. That bond is now broken since you have been taken away, but your memory will live on in my heart forever. I miss you so much already, but we will meet again. Until then, go sleep with the angels. I will miss our chats and I will miss you too. Love you girl! xx
Eddie and Theresa Clark
May 29, 2009
Every time we saw Heather we were greeted with her pleasant smile and great personality. We always tried to go to Beefs on the nights she was working just to see her. We had started a friendship beyond Beefs and so sorry we didn't get to spend more time with her. She always talked about her most prized gifts, her children. She was ready to make whatever sacrifices to do what was in their best interest. Heather you will be missed by us all, Love ya Babe.
Carol
May 29, 2009
Beef's will never be the same without Heather. Your smile and good spirits will always be remembered. God Bless you as you are up above dancing now. Peace be with you and your family. Love you Heather!!
Jen
May 29, 2009
She will not be forgotten.
Vi Garcia
May 28, 2009
My deepest, deepest sympathy to Greg, the girls,and all of Heather's family. Her sudden passing at such a young age is beyond belief and I know your hearts feel the tremendous loss. I pray that you are comforted in knowing that you are thought of with great compassion and empathy. In sympathy, Vi Garcia
Suzanne Bowen
May 28, 2009
We remember Heather with joy and peace and love. From Suzanne and Michael Bowen
Scott
May 28, 2009
Heather, you will be missed.
Tom & Angel Sidler and Landon & Alex Williamson
May 28, 2009
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss.
Kellie Carr
May 28, 2009
Although I only knew Heather's family from Tampa, I know that she was well thought of, and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her friends and family, especially those beautiful girls.
May 27, 2009
Heather had a light that shown from inside her, and I know that she will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her over the years. I hope her girls will always know what a wonderful lady their mom was. Our sympathies to the family,
Wyn and Jim Emery, patrons of Beef O'Bradys
Wanda Godwin
May 27, 2009
Greg,You and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. I was sorry to hear about your wife,May GOD bless you and your daughters,
Anne Villamor-Dyson
May 27, 2009
Greg- I'm so sorry to hear of Heather's passing- my sincerest and deepest sympathy is with you and your girls. Heather was always a great friend to me and always kept me in line. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 27, 2009
Heather you will be deeply missed by all that knew you ..
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Family & Friends !
Kevin & Nikki Majors (Rated R)
Jill MacClemmy
May 27, 2009
Beef’s was my brother Robert’s place to hang out with his friends. When he died two years ago, it took me a while to start going back in there again. When I did, Heather took me under her wing, and welcomed me with open arms. Heather always greeted me at my table with my favorite glass of wine & a big hug. I will miss her immensely!!! My heart goes out to the girls…you two are all she ever talked about. She loved more than words can say.
Richard Holifield
May 27, 2009
Greg: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife. I know it will be a difficult time for you and your family- know that I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Ed, Jennifer, Becky, Shaun, Kisha and Ashley Hoffman
May 27, 2009
Nature
As a fond mother, when the day is o'er,
Leads by the hand her little child to bed,
Half willing, half reluctant to be led,
And leave his broken playthings on the floor,
Still gazing at them through the open door,
Nor wholly reassured and comforted
By promises of others in their stead,
Which, though more splendid, may not please him more;
So Nature deals with us, and takes away
Our playthings one by one, and by the hand
Leads us to rest so gently, that we go
Scarce knowing if we wish to go or stay,
Being too full of sleep to understand
How far the unknown transcends the what we know.
By Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The Poetry Foundation
Shayne Carter
May 27, 2009
Greg, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your girls. When i came into contact with the Merlin bunch, Heather was the first to accept me, she was a good friend for many years.
Marianne Hobbs
May 27, 2009
Heather will be missed by everyone she knew. We love you, Heather.
May 27, 2009
Greg and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts and prayers of so many are with you at this time of sorrow. May God Bless you and your family.
Doris Daniels
Assistant to the Director
AT&T N FL Construction & Engineering
Jacksonville, FL
Yvonne Wood
May 27, 2009
In the thoughts and prayers of your extended Beefs family.
Guy Johnson
May 27, 2009
I knew Heather from Beef O'Brady's. I didn't know her long, but it doesn't take long to recognize good people. She was a good friend and I will miss her. My prayers to her family through this difficult time. No-one can answer the question "why". In time, with faith, we can learn to live with the question.
Jeff and Chris Cawthon
May 27, 2009
Your family is in our prayers.
Sharon Holmquist
May 26, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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