Born on April 28, 1937 in Statesville, NC, her family moved to Charlotte when she was a child.
Merle attended East Mecklenburg High School then went to Charlotte College, now known as UNC Charlotte. She worked at "The Package Products Company" and then for the City of Charlotte until her retirement.
Merle and her husband, W.T. Thompson, moved to High Rock Lake in Lexington, N.C. and were married for 65 years. They have attended Macedonia United Methodist Church for over 25 years.
After college, Merle was a champion duckpin bowler and loved waterskiing. She was an avid reader and supported the local public library in Lexington. She also loved to sing and lead the church choir when needed.
Merle is survived by her husband, W. T. Thompson, her children; Merle Layne Thompson and husband, Robert S. Baxter and Tracy Thompson Broome and husband, David. W. Broome. Grandchildren; Brittany Broome Printy and husband, Tyler Printy, David Benjamin Broome and Victoria Alexis Broome, two great-granddaughters; Catherine Taylor and Adeline Elizabeth Printy.
She was predeceased by her mother, Johnsie Blanche Reynolds, father, James Maddrey and step-father, Kermit Reynolds, as well as thirteen brothers and sisters.
A memorial service will be held at Macedonia UMC at High Rock Lake 10890 NC Hwy 8, Lexington, NC 27292 on Friday, February 17th, 2023 at 11:00am.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 - 2:00pm Sunday, February 19, 2023 at McEwen Funeral Service - Mint Hill Chapel 7428 Matthews Mint Hill Rd. Mint Hill, NC 28227. A graveside service will follow at 2:30pm at Wilson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery
In lieu of flowers please donate to “Friends Feeding Friends” and “Breakfast Blessings” at Macedonia UMC - mailing address is P.O. Box 190, Southmont, N.C. 27351.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com.
