Monica Dawn Merritt, 49, of Greenwood, Arkansas, passed away on August 23, 2024, surrounded by family, friends, and the Holy Spirit, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on August 17, 1975, to Rick and Sharon Newman in Fort Smith, she attended Greenwood Public Schools and earned the Whirlpool Academic Scholarship, which helped her pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. During her time in college, she met her husband of 27 years, Jason Merritt, in "chemistry" class, igniting a bond that would last a lifetime.
Monica’s journey took her across the country as she traveled with Jason during his military career, living in Washington, Maryland, California, Texas, and New Mexico. Despite her love for adventure, Monica’s greatest joy was raising and homeschooling her three beloved children, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Rebekah. She poured her heart into their education and upbringing, helping them flourish academically and personally.
Her legacy shines through her children. Joshua, by the age of 19, had earned three certifications, two associate degrees, and two bachelor’s degrees. Elizabeth, a gifted athlete and musician, captured thirteen individual state championships—three in fiddle competitions and ten in cross country and track. Rebekah continues to thrive in her music and academics, already advancing a grade ahead in her studies at the age of 10. Monica was deeply involved in their lives until her final day, leaving nothing undone.
Monica is survived by her husband, Jason, and their three children, Joshua, Elizabeth, and Rebekah, all of Greenwood; her parents, Rick and Sharon Newman of Greenwood; her sister, Alanna Cunningham of Farmington; her grandfather, Troy Smith of Greenwood; as well as two nieces, a nephew, an uncle, two aunts, and several cousins, all of whom she loved dearly.
A visitation with the family will be held Thursday, August 29 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Asbury Church in Greenwood (10 W Denver Street). A celebration of life service will be 1 p.m. on Friday, August 30 at Asbury Church for family and friends. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood.
Monica’s spirit will continue to live on through the lives she touched with her kindness, love, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
