Shirley Merritt

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Shirley Ann Wood Merritt, peacefully transitioned from earth to Heaven on March 6, 2023 at Charter Assisted Living in Cleveland.

A native of Charleston, TN, Shirley was born on February 9, 1936 to the late Benjamin and Mary Wood and was the eldest of seven children. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Nancy Wood Jinks, nephew, Fred Jinks IV, brother and sister-in-law, John Matlock and Billie Wood.

Ms. Merritt was salutatorian of her College Hill High School graduating class. She attended Tennessee A&I University (Tennessee State University) and graduated with degrees in history and education. She taught school in Willacoochee and Waycross, GA, Cook High School in Athens, and Oak Grove Elementary School in Cleveland.

A lifelong member of Green’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in Charleston, she faithfully served her church and community. She was the first female elder ordained at Green’s Chapel.

She leaves a very close and loving family to mourn her loss. Sons : Eddie Merritt III of Cincinnati, OH and Sean (Claire) Merritt of Acworth, GA. Grandchildren : McKinley Merritt of Knoxville, Sydney Merritt and Bethany Merritt of Cincinnati, and Julian Merritt of Acworth. Siblings : Benny ( Elonda ) Wood of Knoxville, Dorothy Matlock of Charleston, R. Stanley (Patricia) Wood of Cordova, Gayle Wood of Knoxville, and Winfred Wood of Charleston. Sisters and brother-in-law : Kay Wood of Charleston and Fred (Annette) Jinks III of Chattanooga and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Her life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at Green’s Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America with pastor, Dr. Harry Johnson, Sr. delivering the eulogy. Visitation will be held from 10-11am . , at the church . Interment will be at the Charleston Community Cemetery.