Blanche Thomas Merriman

Blanche Thomas Merriman went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 22, 2016, at the Haven in Rocky Mount, VA. She was born on April 18, 1921, in Henry, VA, to the late Elzie and Fannie Thomas. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Derwood Merriman; her son, Gill Merriman; her grandson, William Burch Robey; and her brother, Virgil Thomas. Blanche lived most of her life in Fieldale, VA, where she worked for over 30 years for Fieldcrest Mills. As a lifetime member of Fieldale Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher, a Deaconess, a member of the hand bell choir, and a faithful member of the BWC 2 Circle. For the last several years, she was lovingly cared for by Bonnie Harlowe of The Haven and Annette Naff of TLC. Blanche spent much of her time doing for others. She was a wonderful cook, and she delighted in preparing meals and special events for her family, especially birthday cakes for the grandchildren. She spent many hours putting together food to share with friends, neighbors, and shut-ins in the community and church family. One of her favorite places was her yard where she excelled in maintaining her beautiful plants and flowers. She was also a talented seamstress who made many of her daughters’ clothes throughout their childhood. Blanche was a humble servant, always putting the needs of others before herself. She loved her family with unconditional devotion. She served the Lord with all of her heart and lived an exemplary life of honesty and integrity. She is survived by her two daughters, Fair Robey and husband Denny of Ferrum, VA; Penny Decker of Bassett, VA; five grandchildren, Emily Morrison (John), Gabe Robey, Austin Robey, Christina Decker, and Elizabeth Decker; and two great grandchildren, Eliza Morrison and Anne Marie Morrison. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at McKee’s Funeral Services Chapel and other times at the home of Penny Decker. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. at McKee’s on Thursday, February 25, 2016, with the Reverend Bonnylee Witt officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Fieldale Baptist Church, P.O. Box 98, Fieldale, VA; Fieldale Heritage, Inc, P.O. Box 590, Fieldale, VA; or Amedisys Hospice Care, 5221 Valley Park Drive, Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24019. Arrangements are by McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com