Jessie Merritt

MRS. JESSIE B. MERRITT, age 98, of Sidney, departed this life on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 9:28 AM at Fair Haven Shelby County Home. On December 23, 1919 in Springfield, TN, Pink and Cordelia (Summers) Bigbee welcomed the birth of their second of five children, Jessie Belle Bigbee.

Jessie experienced a wonderful, fun-filled childhood with her parents and siblings in Springfield, TN. As a young teenage women, seeking her own way in life, Jessie moved to Nashville, TN. In Nashville she met and married the love of her life for 74 years, Hume G. Merritt. On August 20, 1943 Jessie and Hume were married. Jessie chose August 20th as their wedding date because she thought being the month and date of Hume’s birth he would never forget their anniversary. (Oh boy was she wrong, he forgot both his birthday and their anniversary.

To this union five children were born; one son, Hume (Helen) Merritt Jr. of Southfield, MI and four daughters; LaVaga (David) Robinson of Nashville, TN, Rochelle (Robert) Williams Sr., Yolanda Gayle (Michael) Williams Sr. and Angela Theophilus all of Sidney.

Jessie and Hume created a happy and loving home for their children in Nashville for many years. In 1967, Hume was offered a better job opportunity in Sidney and therefore the family relocated to Ohio.

Jessie, being the beautiful person she was, took pride in her family, her home and was passionate about her yard and beautiful flowers, especially her rose garden. Jessie was a loving and caring person throughout her life and was an avid worker in the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church until her health would no longer permit her to do so. She was a member of the Pastor’s Aide Society, Deaconess and Benevolent Committee. Jessie was a Vacation Bible School assistant and volunteered with the American Cancer Society.

Jessie is preceded in death by both parents, her sister, Gertrude, three brothers; John, Sanford and Richard. She leaves to mourn and celebrate her beautiful life and spirit; her husband, Hume Sr., her children, ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a host of dear friends.

Jessie B. Merritt’s life was filled with laughter, love, wisdom and compassion. Her beautiful smile will forever be remembered in the hearts of those whose lives she touched. She will forever have a positive impact on all that knew and loved her, but today she can rest in the arms of God knowing the seeds she planted will continue to fulfill His purpose.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home 302 S. Main Ave. Sidney with Pastor David Wynn officiating. Burial will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 10 AM until hour of service. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Jessie B. Merritt to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sidney. Condolences may be expressed to the Merritt family at the funeral home's website, www.cromesfh.com

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