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Viola Merritt Obituary
She was born Emma Viola Harmon in Liberty, Mo., on May 4, 1923, to Henry Harmon and Janie Goldie (Stevenson) Harmon. On April 12, 1957, Viola married Robert Eugene Merritt. They were married for 54 years, residing in Waterford from 1966 until he predeceased her in 2011.
She is survived by her daughter, Diana Merritt Winters, her son-in-law, Richard T. Winters, and her grandson, Jacob Merritt Winters, all of Philadelphia; brother-in-law, Ed Jones of Memphis, Tenn.; nephew, Dan Jones (and his wife, Alicia) of Eureka Springs, Ark.; nephew, Chuck Jones (and his wife, Becky and daughter, Savannah) of Nashville, Tenn.; niece, Jane Beaty (and her husband, Paul) of Memphis; great-nephews, Chad Jones (and his wife, Chera, son, Colt and daughter, Chaleigh) of Lakeland, Tenn., and Scott Jones (and his wife, Katie) of Chicago and their mother, Gail Huey of Memphis; and by her dearest friend, Victoria Wheeler of Mystic.
She was predeceased by her sister, Nellie Jones of Memphis; two brothers, Frank Harmon and John Harmon of Liberty, Mo.; and a nephew, David Jones of Memphis.
Viola obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and later worked as a librarian at Connecticut College, the Williams School in New London, and the Waterford Public Library and as a homemaker. She was a compassionate person and a published poet who loved her family and nature.
A memorial service will be held for family at a later time in Tennessee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Viola Merritt
2 Entries
Mary Lynn Chapman (Swenarton)
May 12, 2016
Deepest sympathy from the Swenarton family for the loss of a very kind and gracious lady. Sending best wishes to your family from Gallup Lane.
Katie Sullivan
May 9, 2016
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Mrs. Merritt. I had the privilege of knowing Mr. and Mrs. Merritt, and have many fond memories. A smile comes to my face when I think of the two of them.
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