Mrs. Mary Smith Merrell, 96, of Mocksville, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem after several days of declining health.

She was born Oct. 24, 1919, in the Smith Grove area of Davie County to the late Joel Marvin and Bertha Bowden Smith.  Mrs. Merrell graduated from Mocksville High School. She worked as a dietary aide at Davie County Hospital, and in the deli department at Food Lion. Mrs. Merrell enjoyed gardening, crocheting, quilting, working in flowers, crafts, taking care of children and helping others. She was a faithful member of Fork Baptist Church where she served on several committees, attending many Bible studies, taught Sunday School, VBS, read the Bible through several times, and had perfect attendance in Sunday School for 20 years. Mrs. Merrell loved her church family and enjoyed serving them and her Lord. She was a faithful member of the Senior Ladies III Sunday School class. Mrs. Merrell married George Aubrey Merrell on Dec. 25, 1938 and they were married 54 years.

She was also preceded in death by: her husband; a son-in-law, Charlie Koontz; 3 grandchildren, Deana Phelps, Melissa Merrell and Darlene Adams and her husband, Joe; sisters, Ella Gray Brewer (Gilmer), Edith Anderson (Zollie), Mattie Sue Blackwelder (T.A.), Peggy Vogler; brothers, Joe Smith (Wilma) and Fred Smith; and brother-in-law Bud Blackwelder.

Survivors: sons, Wilson Merrell (Libby) of Mocksville, Jimmy Merrell (Tami) of Yadkinville and Kenneth Merrell (Pat) Mocksville; daughters, Tamra Phelps (Gary), Betty Blakley (DC), all of Mocksville, Marti Hovis (Robert) of Iron Station and Aneta Laney (Jim) Lincolnton; 9 grandchildren, Kimberly Brown, Matthew King (Carlene), Angela Spillman (Michael), Chad Merrell (Christie), Sherrie Queen (Brad), Mindy Shires (Walt), Daniel Hovis (Abby), Beth Cole (Kevin) and Amanda Neratka (Josh); 15 great-grandchildren, Courtney, Justin and Tyler Brown, Jeremy Adams, Niki Kimrey (Jason), Taylor Spillman, Breana, Karley and Carson Queen, Isaiah and Isaac Shires, Chloe and Wesley Hovis, Nya Cole and Hadleigh Neratka; 2 great-great-grandchildren, Lindsay and Taylor Kimrey; sister, Louise Blackwelder; brother-in-law, Gene Vogler; sister-in-law, Louise Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends of Somerset Court.

A funeral service was conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 11 at Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Garrett officiating. The body was placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. The family received friends Sunday, Jan. 10 at Eaton Funeral Home.

Memorials: Melissa Merrell Scholarship Fund, c/o Fork Baptist, 3140 US 64 E, Mocksville; or charity of one’s choice.

Condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.