Dorothy Whitley Merkison

Dorothy Mae Whitley Merkison, a native and resident of Zachary, Louisiana departed this life peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Zachary, Louisiana. Being the wife of a career U.S. Air Force veteran, she traveled the world, lived in many states as well as overseas in Bermuda. After retirement from the military, the family returned to the community of Chaneyville where she was born. As a nurturing person, she found pleasure in working for several daycare centers. Dorothy was a member of St. John Baptist Catholic Church in Zachary, LA. Dorothy was well known for her infectious laugh, being a great listener, and no matter the situation, was never judgmental. She had an undying dedication to her family. Dorothy was the baby of the Charlie and Viola Hayes Whitley family. She leaves to cherish precious memories of her life: three daughters, Angela Wilson, Gwyn Best, and Michele Thompson, and a son, Eric (Tamika) Merkison, three daughters-in-law, Helen, Tamika, and Lydia; sixteen grandchildren, great-grandchildren; a brother, Sterling Whitley; sisters, Alma Whitley Knighton and Bernice Whitley; and a host of other relatives and friends. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Charles Sr., sons Charles Jr., and Lanier Merkison; parents; sisters, Ruby Douglas and Rose Stewart; brothers Welton, Wilbert, William, Odell, Felton, Leon, and Clifton. Visiting at Wilson Wooddale Funeral Home 1553 Wooddale Boulevard, Baton Rouge, Monday, February 26, 2024, from 9 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Interment in Port Hudson National Cemetery 20978 Port Hickey Rd, Zachary, LA.