Joan Merriman

Joan Potts Merriman died peacefully at her home on Monday evening, September 30, surrounded by her family. Joan (Tincey) was born in Chattanooga on May 14, 1937 and was preceded in death by her parents Clara Stolz Potts and JD Potts, by her sisters Mattie Lou Fox and Evelyn McKeel, by her brother James E (Buddy) Potts and by two grandsons: Gregory Dean Rittgers and Ryne Stephen Rittgers.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Daniel Paul Merriman and their five daughters: Joanie (Stuart) Kammer of Madison, Alabama; Patty Merriman (Vickie Long), Kathy (Greg) Rittgers and Maggie Merriman (Roxie Swenson) all of Ringgold, Georgia; and Betsy (David) Groves of Brentwood, Tennessee. She is also survived by her sister, Sister Mary Evelyn Potts O.P. of Nashville. Tincey leaves nine grandchildren: Anthony Kammer, Elizabeth Kammer, MaryRose Kammer, Sister Paul Mary Rittgers RSM, Brandon Rittgers, Richard (Kaylyn) Groves, Katie (Gordon) Maciulewicz, Nicole Merriman-Swenson and Savannah Merriman-Swenson and two great-grandchildren: Mary-Alice and Maxwell Groves. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. Tincey is also survived by two loving and well-loved sisters-in-law Judy Parker and Margie Pendergrass and her mother-in-law, Margaret Daniel.

Joan was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area and a 1955 graduate of Notre Dame High School. Joan was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. She was secretary at Ringgold High School before attending nursing school. She retired from Tri-County Hospital in Ft. Oglethorpe. She was also a Girl Scout leader for many years and Day-Camp Director with Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council when her daughters were young.

She will be remembered for her devout faith and her commitment to family.

Visitation will be 4-6 pm on Wednesday, October 2, at Chattanooga East Funeral Home and from 10-11 am Thursday in Holy Family Hall at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:00 pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 am Thursday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church with Father Mike Creson officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, East Ridge.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville or the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Alma, Michigan. Your prayers are appreciated.