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Mary Merritt Obituary
MARY ALDREAMA STRADER MERRITT "Dreama"
Mary "Dreama" Aldreama Strader Merritt was a helper, a dreamer, a traveler and above all a lover of people. She went home to be with the lord on February 25, 2023, at the age of 71. She was born to Mary Wilson Strader and George Henry Strader, Sr. in Danville Virginia on December 3, 1951. At the age of two months her family moved to Washington, DC, where she would become a proud product of D.C. Public Schools eventually graduating from Ballou High School in Southeast D.C. She received a BA in Sociology from Delaware State University and a master's degree from the University of Maryland. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She worked for 30 years at Delaware State University in the Career Planning Office. After retiring from DSU, she became a successful executive leader raising millions of dollars for non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic Region including the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association. Mary loved the Lord and we are grateful to God for the life, work, and witness of Mary. She will forever be remembered for the joy she brought to the world and will be deeply missed. Mary is survived by her husband Robert, her son Michael (Jazmine), her parents George and Mary, her brother George Jr. (Avis) and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces.
Arrangements are as follows:
Sunday, March 5, 2023, 4 to 6 p.m.
Viewing and Beyond The Ivy Wall Service
Evan Smith Funeral Home
https://www.evanwsmithfuneralservices.com/obituaries/
518 S Bay Rd, Dover, DE 19901
Monday, March 6, 2023
Viewing - 10 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration - 11 a.m.
Mt Zion AME Church
101 N. Queen St, Dover, DE 19904
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Burial - The burial service will be on Tuesday March 7 at 2 p.m. at National Harmony Memorial Park, 7101 Sheriff Rd., Hyattsville, MD 20785.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Merritt
Martha Hopkins
March 7, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
MUZETTE EATON
March 7, 2023
Dreama and I grew up together. She was my dearest loving, devoted and compassionate childhood friend. Dreama was very intelligent and she was the most courageous young lady that I have ever known. Dreama was the person that encouraged me to accept CHRIST as my personal Savior and join Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. Also, she was responsible for me joining the Junior Choir and singing beside her.
She will always hold a special place in my heart.
The family has my deepest condolences. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Pearl Osborne Whetzel
March 6, 2023
I remember our days at Greater Mt Pisgah Baptist Church. Mary was always a joy to be around. Although I haven't seen her in many years, she will always hold a special place in my heart.
B.F.
March 6, 2023
I had the pleasure of aligning to one of Mary's teams while at the American Diabetes Association. She was very patient, friendly and positive. As Executive Director she sometimes had to jump into helping us execute large fundraising events. Each time she did an incredible job and her passion for ADA's mission shined through. Here's a picture of our team from ADA's National Capital Father of the Year event in 2010.
My favorite memory of Mary was when we presented to a corporate sponsor in an auditorium full of 500 employees... she knocked it out of the park! It was really cool to see how comfortable she was presenting to a large audience. That day I learned many public speaking lessons from her that I continue to carry with me. Thanks for everything, Mary! Much love to your family.
Davetta Newell
March 6, 2023
I know her as Dreamma and she has always been a kind, sweet and lovable person. She lived the Lord and adored her family. She honored her parents and took great care of them and with them. I grew up with her and as a child she was always a role model of how to be a good person and she was Loved by all.
Janice Parker
March 5, 2023
I met Mary when I joined American Heart Association. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Hilda Cole
March 4, 2023
To the Merritt Family,
My condolences to the family of one of the nicest people I´ve had the pleasure of meeting. Our first encounter was as if we´d known each other for years. It felt good to be in her presence. Heaven has grown by one more angel:Mary Merritt. Hilda Cole
Charles Amerson
March 4, 2023
To Robert and Michael; I am heartbroken to lose such a sweet, loving and vibrant sister-in-law! She will always be in my heart!
Love, Charles Amerson
Cynthia Hall
March 4, 2023
My deepest condolences to Mary's family. She will be remembered kindly by all who knew her.
Beverly Jackson
March 3, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family of Mary Merritt, we worked together at the American Heart Association for several years. She was committed to any project she undertook.
American Heart Association
March 3, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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