Deaconess Clara Lee Merritt
Deaconess Clara Lee Merritt
Deaconess Clara Lee Merritt was born on September 23, 1929, in Marianna, Florida, to Charlie and Laura Pittman Merritt. She lived in Marianna her entire life and peacefully earned her wings on Sunday, September 21, 2025 in the comforts of her home surrounded by her loving and caring family.
At an early age, Clara accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She joined Jerusalem A.M.E. Church, where she sang in the choir and worked on the Culinary Staff. In December 2004, she was ordained as a church mother and continued to serve faithfully.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Clara was deeply family-oriented and worked hard to support her children and grandchildren. She strongly believed in education and often said, “Get your education so you can make it on your own!” She attended Jackson County’s Long Branch School and later earned her Graduate Entrance Degree. Clara worked for many years as a domestic service worker and retired in 2004 from the Marianna Convalescent Center.
Clara found joy in her quiet moments, especially reading large-print word search books and spending hours coloring inspirational pages filled with flowers, animals, and scenic beauty. Once she started a picture, she wouldn’t stop until it was finished.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories, a loving and devoted family:
Four Daughters: Shirlene Merritt-Mills (Napoleon) of Midway, FL; Carolyn Merritt of Marianna; Joan Merritt-Delacoudray (Fitzroy) of Woodbridge, VA; and Debra Merritt-Harpe of Augusta, GA; Four Grandchildren: Anthony Mills of Houston, TX, Pamela Mills of Portland, OR, LaToya Harpe, Imani Harpe; and One Great Grandchild, Amaree all of Augusta, GA; one step granddaughter, Zanovia West of Palmetto, FL; One Sister: Doris Merritt White of Marianna, FL; One Sister-in-law: Norma Merritt of Marianna, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
A public viewing will be Friday, October 3rd from 3-6pm at Peoples Funeral Home Chapel. A homegoing celebration will be Saturday, October 4,th at Jerusalem AME Church with Pastor Adrienne McClendon, Reverend Douglas Jones, Reverend Leroy M. Hall and Reverend James Dawsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Jerusalem Cemetery with arrangements entrusted to the Caring Staff of licensed professionals at Peoples Funeral Home of Marianna.