Sheila C. Merrill

Mrs. Sheila Merrill, age 86, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013 at her home in Ocean Springs, MS. Sheila was born on July 23rd, 1926 in Farnsworth, England and attended University where she earned a degree in social work. She came to the United States as a war bride after World War II. After her husband’s military retirement, they settled in Ocean Springs, MS where she has resided for the past 48 years. She worked as a Sun Herald newspaper carrier for several years and enjoyed reading, knitting, gardening and feeding the birds that nested in her yard. Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Hill, her husband of 50 years, James Merrill, daughter Anne Hebert, sons Jimmy Merrill & Chris Merrill, grandson Stephen Jake Merrill, and great-granddaughter Ashton Hebert. Survivors include her sister Pat (Sid) Clack of England and brother, Roland Hill of Australia, children, Roland Merrill of Biloxi, Jill Dubaz of Carriere, Barbara (Cliff) Kimble, Margaret Merrill, Dianne Merrill, Michael (Samantha) Merrill, all of Ocean Springs, MS, Paul (Tina) Merrill of Vancleave, MS, Norman (Stephanie) Merrill, Sarah Merrill, and Felicity (Kyle) Boyda all of Ocean Springs; 31 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and longtime friend, Virginia Bigelow. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 11, 2013, from 11 am until 12 noon, with a 12 noon Memorial Mass, all at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. Interment will be in Biloxi National Cemetery. The family would like to express their gratitude to Saad's Hospice, especially nurses, Jennifer and Gloria, aide, Cassandra and Chaplain John Landrum. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.