Lillian Odessa Gibson Merritt, 81, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at Signature Healthcare in Roanoke Rapids.

Lillian was born September 29, 1938, in Halifax County to the late Harry Gibson and Ethel Walters Gibson. 

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Julius Earl Merritt, Sr.

Lillian was a loving mother, sister and friend. She loved being outside working in the yard. She was a great cook, loved cooking and talking.

Lillian is survived by her children, Julius Earl Merritt, Jr. and his wife Gloria and Tammy Smith and her husband William both of Roanoke Rapids; her brother, Clinton Howard; her sisters, Brenda “Polly” Gibson and Mary Garoutte; her grandbaby, Fluffy.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the chapel of Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service with Rev. Sue Owens officiating. 

The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Community Home Care and Hospice, 525-A Becker Drive, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com