Carolyn Joan Merriman, age 80, passed away Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at her home in Nettleton. She was born May 7, 1943 in Tupelo, the daughter of J.W. and Maude Herring Cates. Joan was a member of Limestone Baptist Church. For many years, she and her husband, John Allen Merriman, were owners of Merriman’s Grocery. Joan had a great sense of humor and loved all types of dancing. She also enjoyed tending her flowers and meeting her friends at the Verona Senior Center. Joan was dearly loved by her family who will miss her greatly.
Joan leaves behind two daughters, Teresa “Tece” Nicholson (Darel) of Tupelo and Belinda Owens (Greg) of Nettleton; six grandchildren, Hunter Richardson (Laura Beth), Devan Richardson (Rebecca), Anna Parker (Zack), Olivia Foster, Payton McCord (Kaley), and John Luke McCord (Abi); four great-grandchildren and another due in November; and her brother, Lynn Parker.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Maude Parker; a son, Brian McCord who died January 19, 2024; a brother, Charles Wayne Parker; and her husband, John Allen Merriman.
Visitation will be 12 until 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Limestone Baptist Church. Services honoring Joan’s memory will follow at 2p.m. Wednesday at the church with Bro. Chris McCord officiating. Burial will be in Tupelo Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Pallbearers will be Darel Nicholson, Greg Owens, Zack Parker, Hunter Richardson, Devan Richardson, Mark Foster, John Luke McCord, and Payton McCord. Jessie Brown will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International.
