Shirley King Merritt

Shirley, daughter of the late James Rufus King and Juanita Bishop King, was born in Greenville, SC on November 23, 1935.

She was a graduate of Parker High School 1953 and also a graduate of the Greenville Hospital School of Nursing class of 1956. Shirley met and married James T. Merritt of Knoxville, TN in 1956. Shirley and Jim lived in Greenville SC until 1969, when they moved to Miami, Florida, where they lived for 17 years. Shirley’s favorite pastime was cooking for her family and spending time with her grandchildren and cheering with great enthusiasm for her favorite football team, the Clemson Tigers. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, especially to Japan and China to visit with their son James Mark and wife Maria. Shirley also enjoyed decorating, and designed three homes in which she and Jim lived. Their homes were decorated with the primitive antiques that Shirley loved to collect.

Shirley is survived by five children of whom she talked to everyday. James Mark (Maria) Merritt of Austin, TX; Stephen Michael (Sharon) Merritt of Jacksonville, Fl; Thomas King (Sue) Merritt of Dallas, TX; Mary Tena (Scott) Holan of Shorewood, WI; and Christa Michelle Matthews of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Melissa Merritt and Madeline (Brandon) Teegen; Christopher, Joshua and Cassidy Merritt; Haley and Jared Holan; James (Victoria) and Emily Merritt and Robert (Robbie) (Brittney) Matthews. Shirley was also devoted to her great grandchildren Miya and Aiden Matthews. Shirley is also survived by a dear sister Brenda (Wayne) Gillespie of Greer, SC. Loving uncles Mahon Bishop of NY, NY and Rog (LaRue) Bishop of Greenville, SC; Aunt Bonnie Bishop of Greenville, SC.; sister-in-law Caroline (James) Chesney and many loving nieces and nephews.

Shirley was a member of Berea First Baptist Church and Bykota Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Berea First Baptist Church.

Following the graveside service at 4:00 pm on December 3, 2017 at Woodlawn Memorial Park, friends are invited to the home of the Reverend Dr. Mahon Bishop.