Gilfa Allene Meadows Merrell

Gilfa Allene Meadows Merrell

Gilfa Meadows Merrell passed away Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2016, just 13 days shy of her 89th birthday.

Mrs. Merrell was born August 22, 1927 in Jonesboro, the oldest of nine children born to Gilbert and Faye (Thomas) Meadows. Her husband, James “Woodrow” Merrell, pre-deceased her in 2002. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Merrell (John Lang) and Libby Ennenga (Larry Ennenga).

A resident of West Memphis for over 50 years, she was a life-long Presbyterian, very active there in Westminster Presbyterian Church and later in First Presbyterian Church.

She taught Sunday School, sang in church choir, served as a deacon and as an elder, and she was honored as a Lifetime Member of the Presbyterian Women’s organization. Mrs. Merrell dedicated a tremendous amount of time for many years doing cooking, baking and visitation for the sick and the elderly.

She worked several years at Guaranty Loan and Real Estate Co., first as a Bookkeeper and later as Executive Secretary. Over the years, she was active in P.T.A. at the local schools, taught with the East Arkansas Literacy Council, assisted in Dale Carnegie Courses, and became a certified Master Gardener.

Mrs. Merrell was an exceptional seamstress and had many skills in needle arts.

She owned “The Stitchin’ Store” in West Memphis for 15 years, were she especially enjoyed teaching various sewing and needlework skills, with emphasis on English smocking.

Throughout her life, music was one of her greatest joys.

She enjoyed playing organ, piano and other stringed instruments. While growing up in Jonesboro, she sang on regular gospel radio programs. She also had fond memories of working alongside the nuns at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Jonesboro as a teenager.

The family requests any donations be sent to First Presbyterian Church in West Memphis. Visitation is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13. The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will follow at 12 noon, at First Presbyterian Church in West Memphis. Burial will be in The Old Military Cemetery in Sedgwick, AR following the Noon Service.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com /westmemphis

Gilfa Merrell