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Merle Raybon Council Bazemore passed away on January 23, 2025 at the age of 86. 

She was the daughter of Ernest and Myrtle Council of Bladen County. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Bazemore and her only sister, Lib Evans.

Merle was born in Bladen County and was a graduate of Tarheel High School and East Carolina College. She began her career teaching both high school and community college business classes in eastern NC, later keeping books for local businesses, volunteering at United Way, and her most rewarding role as mother and grandmother. Merle enjoyed gardening as well as spending time with friends playing bridge, book club, and circle. In addition, she was a faithful and active member of Rosemary Baptist Church for over 40 years.

She is survived by her son, Brad (Lisa) Bazemore and daughters, Lisa Salmon and Pam (Tim) Shippy; grandchildren, Harper and Will Bazemore, Cameron (Taylor) and Mallory Salmon, Avery and Hailey Shippy, Brittany (Jason) Smith and Jessie (Andrew) Webb; great-grandsons, Kayden and Ethan Smith and Jett and Tate Webb, and great-granddaughter, Hadley Salmon. Merle is also survived by one niece, Helen Evans Bunch and two nephews, Stephen Evans and Paul Evans.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children’s Home Society of Greensboro, NC or Rosemary Baptist Church, 936 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Rosemary Baptist Church with Dr. Layne Wallace officiating.

A visitation will precede the service in the church fellowship hall from 10:00 AM until service time.